www.montereycountynow.com FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 27 MUSIC The melodic deviants known as the Suborbitals are staging a comeback. Formed in 2006 and active in creative spurts, the quartet built its following on theatrical performances and songs that set dark lyrics over disarmingly strong melodies. Ryan Masters describes the group as something of a rarity. Today, much of the scene leans toward covers or nostalgia-driven sounds. The Suborbitals remain committed to writing music from a specific creative blueprint: sharp, narrative lyricism supported by the propulsive weight of the bass. “I write chord progressions and melodies, but they don’t become Suborbitals songs until Heath [Proskin] writes the bass lines,” explains Masters. The bass is the gravitational pull that anchors the band’s sound. The song “405” emphasizes this. The bass doesn’t sit quietly in the background—it leads. The opening groove is tight and self-assured, strong enough to carry the song on its own. You’re drawn in by the melody before fully registering the lyrics, which unfold into a tense freeway narrative: “Eat the contraband, drive the car, Santa Monica in the dark.” Pleasure comes first; the darker meaning settles in afterward. That layered contrast runs through the catalog. “Devil’s Dance Card” plays like a tango, more cabaret than rock club. You find yourself entertained by the rhythm when you suddenly realize the lyrics are a dialogue on damnation. This is music that demands an active listener. You don’t just hear a Suborbitals song—you lean in to see where the story ends. During the pandemic, Masters collaborated on Smoke Chaser, a pop-leaning project, with musical theater performer Malinda DeRouen. Feeling the urge to “Suborbitalize” some of the material, Masters reconvened the original members. Baritone saxophonist Ben Herod, who helped shape the band’s signature sound, has other commitments, so multi-instrumentalist Richard Batelaan steps in on keyboards, sax and flute. The upcoming Pop & Hiss show promises to be intimate and experimental. Alongside crowd favorites, the band plans to test several new songs. A third album, Ritual Abuse, is currently in progress, so the set offers a snapshot of a band still shaping its sound in real time. The Suborbitals perform at 7pm Saturday, Feb. 28. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. No cover. popandhiss.net. NIC COURY Drama Kings The Suborbitals stage a comeback with new music and some surprising twists. By Tonia Eaton The Suborbitals are (left to right): Heath Proskin (bass), Ryan Masters (guitar, lead vocals), Gordon Stokes (drums and Richard Batelaan (keys, saxophones, flute). www.folktalewinery.com APRIL FOOL’S EDITION BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COMPETITION ENJOY AN EVENING OF COMEDY IN THE BARREL ROOM AT FOLKTALE WINERY Featuring Auggie Smith, Natalie Diaz and Marcus Howard SATURDAY APRIL 4 Wine Club Members receive a discount. Limited seating this show will sell out. DOORS AT 7:30PM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==