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REVIEW: SAWCE's Debut EP

By Bob Colyard

originally published: 12/16/2017


SAWCE is an instrumental progressive/math rock band from New Jersey. Their sound is influenced by many artists such as CHON, Polyphia, Vasudeva, Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, The Fall of Troy, The Contortionist and countless others. According to their bio, SAWCE just wants to have fun and make fun music.  The band consists of Adam Dabee on guitar and Dom Portera on bass.

The band's debut EP is available at Bandcamp. The EP is pretty straight ahead Math Rock and not bad for a first EP.  A lot of math rock can sometimes all sound the same with the more experienced players usually forging  ahead developing their own sound.  The Ep sounds a little like the more mature "Via Luna" or New Jersey based "Vasudeva" yet moving along with good knowledge and playing ability to traverse  the basic math rock genre in their own way. The band doesn't really cover any new ground in the Math Rock community, but they know what they are doing and sound good doing it.  

Some of the better tracks on the EP are, "School", "Puggle", and "Comfort". The last track on the EP, "Comfort", is a great example of American math rock with its typical, reverse philosophical irony and lyrics mixed with mathy guitar work.  

New Jersey is not a quite the hot bed for Math Rock so any local addition to this genre is very much invited.  I would look forward to hearing more from this band as they progress in the development of their own sound.





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EVENT PREVIEWS

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The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
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(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
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The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives  on August 12th

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(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
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Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th

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(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.

 

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Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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Kat Riggins And Her Blues Revival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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