frontğ news[9] art[6] letters[2] opinion[2] sports[3] edition ğ 103001 Oracle Shack answers all your questions, cheap by Hazel Barrowman argonaut staff The members of Oracle Shack are no good at describing their musical style. But the local four-piece band set to perform tomorrow at Johnıs Alley is really good at showing it. ³Weıre all about attitude,² said keyboarder Eric Gilbert. He explained that labeling their music is not important but being positive and having a good time is. Oracle Shack writes and performs original music, something that may have to do with their formal musical education. All but one band member are music majors at University of Idaho. Gilbert, guitarist/vocalist Noah Beck, bassist Jeremy Martin and drummer Cam Bouiss united last winter. After several performances around the region last spring, the band took the summer off. Gilbert said they are excited for their Halloween show tomorrow and the chance to perform some new material. But regarding expectations for the show, Oracle Shack goes with the flow , like their music. ³We really try and avoid setting expectations for a song or for a show. We try to let it happen how it happens,² Gilbert said. So what is the mysterious sound of Oracle Shack? Some might describe their music as a loose groove, but the groove can also be tight. At times it wanders, at times it punches, runs, rolls and transforms. Although itıs hard to put a finger on, their style is a freaky fusion of rock, blues, jazz, funk and whatever else you can find. They donıt want to be compared to Phish or the Grateful Dead, but some influence may be there. Oracle Shackıs blend is complex and inspiring. To limit them to one style or influence is a disservice to their originality. One thing Oracle Shack is clear on is their interest in playing music that people can dance to. They like to think of themselves as a dance band. ³We like to dance and thus like to inspire other folks to do soŠDancingıs good for everybody,² Gilbert said. The bandıs first performance was at Northport Barter Fair near Barstow, Wash. last spring. ³It was magic,² Beck, said, recalling the audience grooving and having a great time. Someone was lighting off fireworks during the last song, he said. Oracle Shackıs other performances include last semesterıs ASUI Coffeehouse in the Commons. They also played the Moscow Hemp Festival and the Harvest of Harmony Festival, both at East City Park. Gilbert is also the coordinator of the ASUI Coffeehouse Concerts. Gilbert and Martin both work for UIıs Sound Production and Lighting (SPL), the company that provides and sets up the equipment for most on-campus musical events and several off-campus concerts. Aside from providing a venue and outlet for many local musicians with the Coffeehouse Series, Gilbert has managed to attract some noteworthy acts from around the country. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who played earlier this month at the SUB Ballroom, and Sound Tribe Sector 9, who will play on November 6, are two good examples. ³The local scene seems to be growing. Iım psyched to be a part of it,² Gilbert said. Oracle Shack is definitely involved. They play with several other local acts including the Galactic Tofu Farmers, Lisa Simpson and the Shady Riders ­ an expanded ³supergroup² version of the bluegrass trio. The Riders are scheduled to perform on Nov. 8 for the Coffeehouse Series. Oracle Shack will perform Dec. 6, while Dan Maher and friends perform for the series this Thursday in the UI Commons. ³There really is no other way to create music than with your friends,² Gilbert said. Cover is $3, or $1 in costume for Oracle Shackıs Halloween show at Johnıs Alley tomorrow. Moments of Clarity (from Coeur dı Alene) will open around 9 p.m. followed by the Shack at 11 p.m. For more information visit their website at www.oracleshack.com. frontğ news[9] art[6] letters[2] opinion[2] sports[3] edition ğ 103001 university of idaho argonaut editor in chief david browning 301 student union. moscow, id 83844 ph# 885.7845 argonaut or e-custodian bob This site has been optimized for viewing with Netscape 4.78 & Internet Explorer 6.0, at 1024x768 and above (please set your browser accordingly)