Aloha

When they started playing basement shows in Ohio back in 1997, the band's vibraphone-driven songs took after Chicago indie acts like Tortoise, shaping intelligent pop tunes with studied musicianship and jazz fundamentals. Though the group's core members eventually left their Ohio digs, the band still has three of its four founders -- guitarist and songwriter Tony Cavallario, bassist Matthew Gengler, and utility musician Cale Parks -- operating remotely from a number of bases around the Midwest. Adding T.J. Lipple on keyboard and drums, they continued to collaborate via postal and electronic exchange which added up to the 2006 Some Echoes release, eschewing polyrhythmic percussive bombast and whirlwind arrangements for more subdued pop arrangements. Extensive touring has given Aloha renowned for their intense, non-stop live performances and they have toured with Ted Leo and Clinic, among many.