Bound by Sustance at the Gramercy Theatre

Bound by Substance consists of four natives of Queens, New York. They are Henry Rzonca on vocals and keyboards, Dino Colacito on guitars, Angelo Marino on bass and Matt Farina on drums. The band has performed locally at the Bitter End, Webster Hall, Irving Plaza, Arlene's Grocery, Tammany Hall and Sullivan Hall. Bound by Substance has recorded three EPs, the latest of which is IV.

Bound by Substance headlined a Gotham Rocks night at the Gramercy Theatre tonight. For the occasion, the band dressed formally in tuxedos. As if it were a fraternity house party, however, Rzonca came on stage carrying a half case of tall beers for the band members, and placed it front and center on the stage. (He later poured hard liquor from a tall bottle into plastic cups.) The music similarly was an odd clash of styles. The guitar-bass-drums played hard rock extremely well, while Rzonca sang sentimental songs, often at his electric piano. He was like a Billy Joel while the rest of the band was like a Pearl Jam. The musicians built their songs around Rzonca’s lyrics and melody, but often the set felt like the two factions played different mojos. The band may find an audience that likes ballads with a hard edge.

Visit Bound by Substance at www.boundbysubstance.com.