What is a TRIPTIC?

The word triptych comes from the art world the term assigned to art pieces that contain three parts, which when combined form one whole work of art. An intriguing note about triptychs is that each of the three parts can be viewed solely on their own. Yet, when viewed together, when the three parts complete the whole, suddenly each of the three pieces has added depth. When this is realized, the entire piece of the triptych leaves witnesses awestruck.

TRIPTIC, a rock trio hailing from Long Beach, CA, embodies all of that. Each member carries a significant weight upon their shoulders, a responsibility, which is necessary for all successful trios.

Damien Smith has the guitar work of the classic rock groups that were only blessed with one guitarist, the ability to transition with ease from playing melodies to rhythms to solos, all within each song. His lead vocals range from smooth and soft, yet not quite genteel within the group's mellower, softer tunes, to raucously loud, which is perfect for the harder edged rock songs. He alone seems to stand out as the utmost important piece of this work.

However, this is before the unveiling of the second piece, Derek Silva. Derek combines the edgy funk of Flea with the coordination of Claypool. Not only does he play the intricate bass lines with ease, he also sings the rich harmonies the define the TRIPTIC sound.

Of course, the two pieces are also dependent upon Eric Bradfield's drumming, which is a force. He drives the group, not just keeping tempos, but tackles the time changes that the group undauntedly writes into their songs. Bradfield prefers more complex fills, intricate arrangements, while never losing a step on the way. As a drummer, Bradfield and the assistance of his trained ear write most of the harmonies that, along with the others, he also sings.

There is a balance between these three members, with neither overpowering the others sonically. Each have a part in the creative process'sometimes working alone, other times in open collaboration. Their vocals together create three part harmonies, something practically unheard of in modern rock today, let alone during a live show. Their music is contemporary, yet has more depth than the modern garage bands and more creativity than the metal/rap groups of the day. Their vast variety of influences (Bradfield's alone could explain everything) help form this guitar driven rock trio into a bluesy, funky, grungie, hard rockin' band. Just go check out one, or more, shows by this artistic triad and you'll see that there's a solid, hard working, good ol' rock band again in town.

-M. Montoya