Tropidelic looks to build on VexFest performance

October 28, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Even though rock ’n’ reggae act Tropidelic has been playing the Youngstown area for years, the Cleveland-based band felt as though the set it turned in at this summer’s VexFest really has the outfit positioned for bigger things in the Mahoning Valley.

“That was by far the biggest thing we played in Youngstown so far,” said singer Matthew Roads, a native of Pittsburgh. “It was a good show. We had a decent slot, an almost-evening slot, and there were probably 500 people out there. We’re expecting to see those people again.”

That’s why the band is returning to the area for a Saturday gig at Ace’s Wild Wings in Boardman. The band is supporting its latest EP, “Erie Vibes & Irie Tides,” which was released earlier this year and featured a reggae-rock vibe with a harder edge, realistic twist and darker vibe. Up next is the group’s new EP, “The Working Class Phoenix,” which it hopes to have out soon.

Roads said the new material is inspired by the tough economic times the country is facing.

“More or less, it’s about the rebirth of the working class,” Roads said. “Some of us are still working the day jobs, and it’s obviously hard economic times now. So we’re just expressing the current struggle and finding positivity in it.”

Among Roads’ favorite new tunes are the funky “Rebel Music” and the hip-hop-driven “City Brew.” Naturally when a band announces its rock- reggae sound, instant comparisons come down to either Sublime or Bob Marley.

“Yeah, it’s more Sublime,” Roads said. “I almost don’t like being compared anymore. It’s become clich at this point, but we do more rapping than Sublime does, and we can get harder at times.”

Formed in 2006, Tropidelic averages more than 50 shows a year with a growing regional fan base including Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Part of its appeal stems from its unique cover medleys, such as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Ohio” with Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite,” as well as Inner Circle’s “Bad Boys” with Notorious B.I.G.’s “It Was All a Dream.”

Local music fans can expect to hear a jambalaya of sounds and styles at Tropidelic’s upcoming Ace’s Wild Wings show. Speaking of which, what type of wing sauce would best exemplify the band?

“Spicy Cajun or some Caribbean spice or something like that,” Roads said, laughing. “That’s because of the vibe that we bring. We want to get as close to the Caribbean as we can. That’s what we’re all about. If it were up to us, we’d be on a beach right now.”