It takes a little or, in certain cases, a lot to achieve that perfect band mold…that perfect fit. After the mold, it’s time for the following.
Madison’s finest, The Mosaic, has found that mold and is working for the following.
They’ve got the stylish and sassy frontwoman Brooke Kutz on vocals and keyboards, the rugged heartthrob Will Phalen on vocals, guitar and harmonica, the crowd pleaser and guitar god Nate Rentmeester, the soft spoken and mysterious Jordan Bader on bass and the suave and sly John Zeratsky on drums.
That’s it. They’ve found it.
It’s 4:00 Monday and Bader arrives for practice, bass in hand. Rentmeester torments the non-band member roommates while waiting for Zeratsky to tear himself away from the computer. The oh-so-typical college house full of males reeks of pizza and hot sauce or ‘sas’ as often referred to in the ‘142.’ Some sports game can be heard on the TV in the background and the sarcastic remarks fly.
Kutz appears sometime in the mix adding the reason and sensibility that only a woman can. Eventually Phalen walks down the stairs bringing order to what will become a fun yet intense few hours … a few hours that will hopefully be free of neighbor complaints and police visits.
The off-campus house is prone to neighbor objections, which inspired a song, “Hit Man” that Phalen often begins by saying something along the lines of “This is a song about our neighbor… a song about the people who don’t feel the vibe in life.”
Although the neighbor calls to the police can prove disturbing, the one time a police officer actually traveled down to the basement for a look at what all the commotion was about his only comments were about the band. “Is that a bass,” he asked with a look of amusement, followed by “So what kind of music do y’all play?”
However, this is not your typical college band. The Mosaic has a certain impressiveness about ’em that captures new listeners at every performance.
Practicing just steps away from Lake Monona one can hear the vocals of Kutz or raging guitar of Rentmeester streaming through the vents of their basement practice spot.
These University of Wisconsin students are practicing for their Tuesday gig at Luther’s Blues with co-headliner Groovulous Glove, an acid funk and jam rock six-member band.
The Mosaic combines blues, groove and funk with a bit of jam to achieve the pleasing sounds of this five-member band. Kutz’s Fiona Apple-esque, yet more intense sound (this isn’t “Criminal!”), combined with Phalen’s distinct and gravelly voice makeup the uniqueness that can only be achieved through two lead singers. However, Rentmeester’s guitar solos, facial expressions and all, are what often provoke the typical looks of awe from audience members along with after show comments.
“Really what sets us apart from a lot of other bands I feel is a direct result of the diversity in the band as far as style and influence are concerned,” Rentmeester said. “All of the musicians are coming from a different place on the musical spectrum but we all have a common ground.”
These members exhibit strong songwriting abilities with a wide range of musical capabilities.
“Usually a song is the result of every member adding their own little piece to their equation,” Rentmeester said.
Constantly writing songs, the Mosaic has recorded their past Luther’s Blues show and is currently working on a studio E.P. However, their wide range of musical talents allow for covers as well such as the Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows,” which offers a sense of familiarity to band newcomers and newcomers are what the Mosaic is pushing for.
Come out and support Madison’s local music scene at Luther’s Blues Tuesday at 9 p.m. for an evening with Groovulous Glove and The Mosaic. After all, it is free.
