The Man Don't Give A Funk

Sub-Opt are an international band with a truly international sound. Fronted by Rodrigo Braga, Edinburgh's very own FunkSoul Brother and a pretender to the throne of the guitar-god Hendrix, their music is a mosaic of complex rhythms and Latino guitar licks, but their performance never strays from being downright good fun. They might be highly skilled musicians, but they are entertainers first and foremost.

Sub-Opt are playing tonight to celebrate the signing of a development deal with Strollers Records, a recently formed label based right here in Edinburgh. Much like their old buddies Amplifico before them, Sub-Opt have rightly realized that you don't have to up sticks to find a deal. Its much easier to just start your own record label. That way you release what you want, when you want. That's important to a band like Sub-Opt; they would not know the meaning of the word compromise. Their music is a testament to that. There's hooks and grooves a plenty, but you never know when the next funk breakdown might happen.

Formerly a power trio, the band have boosted their line-up with an additional guitarist and a new drummer, and seem the better for it. The guitar interplay between Rodrigo and new boy Ant Law is of the variety that would make Slash take to his knees and beg for mercy. Its not all guitar solos and ironic rock poses however, Sub-Opt have a gentler side as well. A female friend is plucked from the audience to add vocals to Optimystic, a tender sing-along that could have been a long-forgotten Sly Stone b-side.

Progressive-funk might not ordinarily be your cup of tea. Even hearing those words in the same sentence is enough to reduce some people to quivering wrecks. However, Sub-opt are nearly impossible not to like. Its hard to pin down, but Sub-Opt play with a unique sense of bravado. There's something about them that just keeps your feet tapping and your head bobbing all night long. Something that very few people can do, and that even fewer can do well. Rick James might have called it the Funk.