The Suite D’s are coming, so put your party pants on

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

dastolfo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The Suite D’s will unveil their new EP, “Root Slap!,” when they play Cedars Saturday night.

The band was formed by a handful of former members of The Sweet Delights, who broke up in 2009. The new act retains the eclectic, offbeat and semi-serious attitude of its predecessor.

“Musically, our influences are steeped in ’60s soul and ’70s funk and lyrically influenced by the likes of Frank Zappa, George Clinton, and basically anything weird or confusing,” said vocalist Obie Savage in an e-mail interview. “Actually, our tastes run all over the place and we’re always up for writing anything in any genre of music. We’ve messed around with country, children’s songs, spoken word, opera and hip hop. They don’t always come out great, but we like to keep things open and fun.”

Savage also listed some non-musical influences: comic books, kung fu and urban action flicks, boxing, and old smut novels. “You can hear these influences come through in our music,” he said. “I think.”

Former members of the Sweet Delights in the new act are Savage; Justin Arroyo on bass; Luke Lenz on drums; Joe Stilson on vocals; and Dave Woodard on vocals, keys and percussion. New members are Katie O’Neil on violin and Nick West on guitar.

The name of the new EP (“Root Slap!”) mean putting somebody back in line by smacking them with their own origins.

In other words, don’t let them forget where they come from. It’s a philosophy Savage embraces.

“I live in Brooklyn, N.Y., now, but I know my roots are here in Youngstown,” he said. “It’s still my home and I love playing with Youngstown musicians. They’re the best.”

Guest musicians on “Root Slap!” include Youngstown’s jazz champion Teddy Pantelas; Joe Gondel (formerly of Raul); and John Mazzuco, whose one-man act The Limbs will open Saturday’s show.

A bonus track on the EP, “Devil Strip,” includes contributions by indie rock heavy hitters Jon Spencer of The Blues Explosion; Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips of Luna; and Christina Martinez of Boss Hog.

“The songs on this EP are a little darker and dingier than what fans of The Sweet Delights have come to expect, but they’re still funky enough to shake your a to, and making people dance is definitely our main goal at our live shows,” said Savage.

“We want everybody to come out and get down with us,” he continued. “There will be prizes awarded to the best dancer and the best pair of party pants, so everybody should make sure they wear their party pants.”