Local band gets funky in USU performance

By Alex Roman
Daily Forty-Niner

The band Pensativa played on the West Terrace of the University Student Union Wednesday to a mostly apathetic crowd and four dancing females.

"This is one of the worst crowds I've ever seen," said one of the dancers, sophomore Mary Jane. "I've seen this band a few times and people are always dancing, the 49ers are all lazy."

The band, which consists of Isaiah Seay (vocals), Michael Newton (vocal, keys), Jorel Miller (bass), Paul Bonn (drums), Adam Lichtenstein (guitar), Matthew Hufschmidt (percussion) and Jeff Wedemeyer (DJ), played an eclectic mix of songs from its self-titled EP.

The sound was equal parts, G. Love & Special Sauce, Dave Matthews and Barenaked Ladies, anchored by danceable grooves and the solid melodic tones of Newton's keys and vocal harmonies.

"They got a really good Jamiroquai meets Dave Matthews funk, rhythm mix," said senior Rosh Gruwell. "They're really tight, by far the best band I've heard here."

As for the crowd, they mostly ignored the band, save for the four dancers and one guy pop-locking to the song "Marching Midgets."

Other than that, there was not a whole lot of audience participation, despite the infectious grooves and melodies of Pensativa.

By the time the band got into "People," it had reached full stride, mixing all its parts into one palatable groove. Those interested enough to listen seemed satisfied.

"You can hear every member of the band," said senior Vatche Minassian. "They really have a great sound."