Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, more commonly known as USS, just might be insane.
The charismatic duo from Toronto successfully combine vocalist Ashley Buchholz’s organic folk senses with Jason “Human Kebab” Parsons’ jagged electrobeats. The unlikely fuse of acoustic meets electronic can only result in a dance floor eruption. USS crowds get down and sweaty with their palms thrusting towards the club’s ceiling, the back beat flowing through gyrating bodies.
Besides the uncommon tunes, the band brings a certain novelty to their live shows. Buchholz and Parsons can often be found donning white lab coats or full-body spacesuits with USS scrawled across the chest. Their audiences stand witness as they unload the night’s equipment: The usual guitar and turntable setup along with a blender, some fruit and a leather jacket with wings sewn onto the shoulders—just to name a few of their experimental props.
The guys are packing up the madness and taking their show on the road for a national tour with Hedley and Classified. USS will be making a solo stop to shake up the Capital Complex.
“We never get the full Canadian experience of actually leaving home here in the city; getting on the highway, stopping into Quebec and doing the crazy route into New Brunswick,” said Parsons. “It’ll give us our sea-legs coming out to the Maritimes playing some of the new stuff off the new record and just getting ready for the rest for the year.”
Their first big tour is in support of their latest album Advanced Basics. The new record is reminiscent of a campfire after party with a jungle rave vibe which progressively two-steps its way into a dance folk cuddle.
“We try to marry everything together and that’s something we’ve always been working on,” said Parsons.
When the two first met in 2004, Buchholz was into a Buddy Holly hayday and asked Parsons if he would be able to throw a DJ beat behind the pretty lullabies.
“I just thought the concept was entertaining and colourful, but then he actually sat behind the drumkit and he played me the beat that he wanted me to make and then played a Buddy Holly tape over it and I was like, ‘Oh my god this guy is on to something,’” said Parsons.
The new record has been out for less than a week and the band’s social media feeds are already being plastered with compliments and appreciation.
“In a world of Justin Biebers and Rob Fords, it’s great to see Toronto represented in a light other than that of a half smoked crack pipe. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see a live show, I guarantee you are missing at least one item from your bucket list,” said one fan on the band’s Tumblr page.
Advanced Basics received a helping hand from USS’ dedicated fanbase. The band had launched their #Letsgetweird campaign through a website called Pledgemusic, an online platform to generate revenue for musician’s labours. Fans were able to pre-order the latest USS tracks and bid on hangouts with the band.
“It’s a way to get in touch with the people who propel your career into stability,” said Parsons.
Last summer, USS played an electric show for 8,500 fans in their home city. Despite their newfound success and obnoxious public displays, these guys aren’t above a cozy show in small city.
“Small shows always makes you feel nostalgic from when you started it. And now you’re 22 hours from home and you’re here at the Capital and there’s a handful of people dancing in a bar right in front of you and you are just so humbled because you realize what it took to get here.”
Check out USS alongside In Dreams at the Capital Complex, Feb. 21. Doors open at 10 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance.
