Effusion 35

Effusion 35 is the maniacal machination of singer/songwriter Pat Manley. An original band based in the Philadelphia area, Effusion 35 melds the melodic style of classic bands like The Velvet Underground and R.E.M. with the riff-heavy hooks of Led Zeppelin and Nirvana.

Formed in 1998 as "The Rude Mechanicals" by Manley and bassist Sean Hamill, Effusion 35 was founded on the duo's shared tendencies toward aggressive rock with pop sensibilities.

"It was just one of those things," recalls Manley. "We got together one night, and our playing styles were a perfect fit."

Hamill agrees, with a shy smile and a spontaneous backflip.

The versatile Joe Napoleon, once Effusion 35's drummer, dropped his sticks and picked up his pick, becoming its second guitarist. Originally the drummer for such local favorites "October Sun," "Salmonberry," and the deeply missed "Dan, Dan, the Drywall Man," Joe's passion for the fret board now fills Effusion 35's sound with atypical lead work inspired by his avant-garde musical tastes.

"I think the differences are what make it work," opines Napoleon between sips of prune juice.

In September 2001, Pat recruited veteran drummer Randy Robbins, allowing Napoleon the move to guitar and Sean a much-needed bathroom break. Robbins, who spent much of the '90s in the ever-so-slightly-successful "Krypton Daisy," as well as later side projects, "The Deweys" and "The Antarctic Wasteland Jugband," provides the thundering backbeat for Effusion 35 while also serving as a lyricist and songwriter.

"Writing and playing music gives us a few fleeting hours of joy in our otherwise dreary, pointless lives, " Robbins adds presciently while scouring his bathtub. "Let's face it: music is the most immediate and affecting art form. I've listened to paintings, but I just don't get the same rush. Can you pass me the ammonia?"

Back from hiatus during Manley's work with fellow Philadelphia band Milton and the Devils Party, Effusion 35 have just completed their first album, Stonewind, and are setting up support dates in the area.

And what can you expect from Effusion 35? Joe offers some insight: "Our music is about mid-20s angst—too old to whine about the state of the world, but too young to buy a Corvette in an act of the classic mid-life crisis."

Or as Randy explains: "If Effusion 35 stands for anything, it's that four guys really can't make a difference."

Sean apparently agrees, following that trademark grin with another backflip.