Physical Plant extends its roots

Artistic differences can tear apart even the best of bands. It's happened countless times in rock history (we're looking at you, Gallagher brothers). But for the five members of psychedelic folk-rock band, these differences actually work in their favor, ensuring the group is constantly growing, adapting and extending its proverbial roots.

With three independent singer/songwriters in its lineup, the band melds its members' distinct styles and influences  into a sound it can call its own. The result is reminiscent of early '60s psychedelic rock tonalities, with a blend of four-part harmony; cutting lead-guitar lines; and upbeat pop sensibility.

'We want to explore every musical genre available,' says Jake Elrod, one of the band's singers, as well as its acoustic guitarist and mandolin player. 'At our core, I think our biggest strength is that we have no idea what this band is supposed to be, and we make it up a different way each week.'

The band formed three years ago at New College of Florida as a class project of roommates Caegan Quimby and Jake Elrod. They used Quimby's audio-engineering knowledge to record Elrod's original songs for school credit. But, after a few months of playing together, they decided to expand the project to include fellow students Josh Scheible and David Baker, and they realized they'd found not just a class project, but a creative outlet.

'It suddenly hit us,' says Quimby. 'Oh, we're a band, now. We should keep doing this.'

The members eventually recruited drummer Zach Eidelman, who they say introduced more energy into the band's dynamic, and they continued to explore their varied musical backgrounds.

'There's a lot thrown in there,' says Baker. 'The fun part for us is to try to make it all come together in a way that makes sense. It's hard to say we're any one thing, but, whatever comes out, we all enjoy it.'

The band recently released its second self-produced EP, 'Wisdom Tooth,' which Scheible says is a good representation of how much the band has grown.

'I think it's a signifier of being a little older, a little bit wiser and going through some pain along the way,' he says of the title.

Baker agrees.

'At the end of the day, this band is a lot of fun,' he says. 'I think that counts for a lot. We have a lot of fun with each other, and we just want to keep it going.'