Following in the footsteps of local groups such as The Hive, Multiball and Prop, Entropic are taking the elements and dynamics of dance music and performing it in a traditional band set up. Building on a simple groove their improvisation style ensures the group travel all musical terrains in the space of one track. Beginning with an impromptu gig the five piece liked what they heard and kept the groove rolling slowly moving away from a rigid electronic set up to more live instrumentation. Keeping the dance ethos the group are preparing to release a collection of live material on CD as well as a tour to bring the sounds of Entropic to the masses.

How did Entropic originally form?

At an impromptu gig. We filled a slot where a band had cancelled, and improvised grooves and progressive sound scapes. We liked the fresh and cohesive nature of the music… Entropic began.

Since its beginning how has the group’s musical direction changed?

The basic principles of our music have remained the same, but our instrumentation has changed. We were using a lot of electronic equipment, but now use a more minimal set. Now we are trying to explore electronic music through an acoustic medium.

When performing live do you follow a song list and structure or can the performance go any direction?

We follow a very vague structure: We know what grooves and ideas each of us are likely to use, and rely on each other to keep our ears open and respond to what’s happening. So, in a sense, our live shows can go in any direction.

Why do you think your live show follows an improvisation path? What does this allow for?

Improvisation is a large component of Entropic’s sound. It allows our music to remain fresh and unique every time we play. Not only can the audience hear something different at every gig, but we have fun too!

How much do you think your sound or style borrows from electronic dance music?

Quite heavily. Electronic music is the main interest amongst band members; we fuse elements of drum n’ bass, jungle, dub and house in a live experimental format.

Do you think your sound is made for the dance floor or a more lounge feel? How easily can the band adapt to their audience and venue?

When doing club gigs we lean towards a more high-energy set, whereas when people are in a listening mood our tracks can be very chilled. We draw from a wide musical vocabulary which helps us adapt to audience reaction.

What are some of the themes and ideas that exist within your music?

To find the groove and don’t let go. We focus on establishing slowly evolving repetitive ideas. The tracks progress as each member freely improvises subtle changes; this seems to create a certain ‘timelessness’ allowing room for the groove to dominate.

Any plans to get some recordings on the market? For a band favouring improvisation how will you capture this on CD?

Definitely, aiming to have a release by March next year. Our future release will be a compilation of live recordings at gigs.

Future plans?

CD release and tour to follow. To push both the boundaries of live improvised dance music and our own creativity. Most importantly keeping our music fun for all!

Entropic play the Beach Road Hotel on Thursday 23 August, 2002.

This feature story originally appeared in 3D Magazine – Sydney’s #1 weekly dance publication.