Amplified: Joy Telepathy Project

By Sarah Schuster | Photo by Penelope Vasquez MEMBERS: Tucker Dhalke: bass, vocals; Phil Grajko: guitar, vocals; Josh Williams: drums, vocals

ACTIVE SINCE: 2008

SOUND: Bongo-heavy acoustic reggae, and never without a catchy rhythm. Joy Telepathy Project is all about the good vibes.

SOUNDS LIKE:

Your favorite Dispatch song with a funk tinge.

WHAT THEY JERK TO:

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Grateful Dead, and Pink Floyd.

BEST SONG:

“Quantum Superposition” immediately hooks you with bongos, an irresistible acoustic melody, and intriguing lyrics: “If you can see what you perceive / then you define reality. / If blind is how you’re thinking / then blind is how you see.”

WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN UP:

The tracks have an unique sound thanks to the members' various musical backgrounds. They also take turns on lead vocals, treating each song as its own experiment.

UNLIKELY SOURCE OF INSPIRATION:

Residence in the Westcott neighborhood. Phil says the myriad of interwoven cultures inspire their fusion of styles and overall musical attitude.

WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THEM:

Funk 'n Waffles, Metro Lounge, house parties.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT EACH SHOW:

A stoner's rendition of John Mayer's "Gravity." Imagine the lyrics, "Smoking weed is working to cleanse me," set to Mayer's melancholy tune.