The Apples In Stereo

The Apples In Stereo started out as the bedroom music hobby of guitarist Robert Schneider, and on early singles it's him with a drum machine, playing the rest of the instruments himself.

Over the past 20 years, Schneider has gradually evolved the group into a full band able to skillfully execute his unique pop vision in a concert setting, making them one of the most interesting live bands out there, and one which now easily transcends its power pop roots.

Early live shows by the band could be a bit rough around the edges, and the band stuck to Schneider's 3-chord punky anthems. Over the last few years, however, the Apples have grown to a touring group of seven members, and they've incorporated elements of soul, kraut-rock, and even electronica into their original sound.

In fact, perhaps the most surprising and engaging thing about seeing the Apples live these days is just how readily new material taken from the group's most recent releases (Travelers In Space And Time and 2007's New Magnetic Wonder) lends itself to spontaneous dancing in the audience. Drummer John Dufhilo, recruited from Austin band Deathray Davies, acts as something of a kindred spirit to Schneider here. He helps to keep a steady, almost Motown beat and groove going from the stage, and the rest of the band seems to feed off that energy.