Eclectic Banyan at Bodega Saturday

Steven Godfrey
dm Staff writer

Banyan, an experimental band led by drummer Stephen Perkins of Porno For Pyros and Jane's Addiction, wrap up their latest tour in support of their album "Anytime At All" this Saturday night at Bodega.

Banyan is a self described "postmodern jam" with heavy credentials in the current alternative and indie scenes. In addition to Perkins work with Jane's Addiction and Pyros, bassist Mike Watt played with the punk band Minuteman, one of the early innovators in the alternative sound that dominated the nineties.

A "banyan" is a tree that spreads its branches in all directions, which could be an accurate description of the band's sound. "Anytime At All," features a wide range of sounds and influences from a Beastie Boys style groove, Miles Davis improvisation and the jam band style that the Oxford music scene responds so well to. Guests on the album include John

Frusciante and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Reviews on Banyan are as scattered as the band's sound. Some describe it as bizarre or surreal, others as an overstated collage of sounds. The band's first album was produced by the legendary Dust Brothers, who are responsible for a wide range of acts such as the Beastie Boys and Beck.

Despite the range of interpretations, many critics have praised the band's original sound. Rolling Stone labeled them "virtuoisities" and the LA Times called them "a supergroup."

After this last show of the tour with Banyan, Perkins will join the Tommy Lee band Methods of Mayhem, for their national tour.