My Denton Music spotlight: RTB2

by Josh Hogan of My Denton Music

After only a few minutes with Ryan Thomas Becker and Grady Don Sandlin, or RTB2 as they are more commonly known, you get the sense that these guys absolutely love what they are doing. And in fact, they do love it, whole-heartedly. They are two of the most laid back and genuinely humble musicians you will ever come across, a trait that is in itself incredibly refreshing. However this particular characteristic does not exactly translate to their music. As two person bands go, it is normally a very hit or miss situation. You have that duo from Detroit, those masterfully marketed Ting Tings, and a few others such as The Black Keys holding down the sort, but the list of really good two person bands is somewhat short. There are plenty to choose from, but finding one worth your time is tough. Most are just low hanging fruit, easy to spot and to grab, but lacking the necessary substance once you take a bite.

Since the release of their debut album The Both Of It in 2007, RTB2 has been separating itself from those bands and has been steadily climbing to their rightful place near the top of the tree. Their music is feverishly addicting, with Becker's outstanding guitar playing ability as the driving force behind the madness. Like a fine wine, the genius of Becker's guitar playing exists in the subtleties. It is dirty, and powerful, and also like a fine wine, will fuck you up bad! Your jaw will drop while watching this artist at work, stampeding across stage and creating the raunchy yet beautiful sound that has become this bands signature. Sandlin, on the drums, holds the act together, but just barely. At times, while taking cues from one another on stage, this duo will play itself to near oblivion, taking the meter way into the red before bringing it back down again with some soothing and soulful blues licks, or perhaps even a sharp bookend note that simply brings the turmoil to a screeching halt.

In the time since The Both of It was released, RTB2 has refined their sound through a systematic "evolution on the go" technique. The band rarely sits down to have a formal rehearsal, but rather they fill their schedule with as many shows as they possibly can. As Sandlin puts it, "The ultimate goal is to not stay stagnant, to continue to progress". And through the constant barrage of live performances, the band is able to continue to refine their method, which has become much more busy and overstated in the past year.

If you listen to "The Both Of It" and catch a live performance today from RTB2, the difference between the two will be noticeable immediately. Becker and Sandlin have incredible chemistry onstage, and as they continue to explore the bounds of their talents, the more entertaining and exciting the band will become. They are explosive, they are soulful, they are incredibly talented, and most importantly they are passionate about their trade. What more could you ask for in a band? On the horizon for RTB2, aside from the myriad of live performances that are surly coming to a venue near you very soon, are two new albums! The first is a four track EP set to be released sometime in the summer months. The second, and perhaps one of the most anticipated releases of the summer, will be a live recorded album of RTB2's performance at Nx35. If you were there that night at Dan's then you understand exactly why this release should be so anticipated.

By taking an old fashioned approach to rock and roll, RTB2 has gained a certain reputation that fits them perfectly. No glitz and glamour. No fancy effects added to their music. No frills at all. It is just pure energy and hard rockin' music, plain and simple and just the way it should be.