Meet The Neighbors: Rob Farren From Isle Of Rhodes

South Slope musicians Rob Farren and Colin Behram from the band Isle of Rhodes have been rocking stages around the country since 2012. They released their latest album in February of this year, and have a big concert coming up at The Rock Shop on April 12.

We sat down with Rob to learn a bit more about Isle of Rhodes, their connection to South Slope, and what we can look forward to at this weekend’s show.

SSN: First of all, tell us a bit about yourselves.
IoR: Isle of Rhodes is a two piece band. We like to think we have a fairly large sound for a two piece band. Our band uses the Rhodes keyboard (instead of guitars) and drums. We have been told that we sound like a 3 piece guitar band because we run the rhodes through a bunch of different effects. Although that could be construed as gimmicky, we really pride ourselves on writing good songs that aren’t dependent on our choice of instrumentation.

What brought you to South Slope, and how long have you lived here in the neighborhood?
The band started after I moved to South Slope. I moved to South Slope in 2009 with my wife from the Upper East Side. We moved because we wanted more space, and to be a part of a place that felt more like a neighborhood.

The Band’s rehearsal space has always been in the neighborhood, and when Colin joined the band at the end of 2012 he moved into the hood as well.

What is the best way to describe your music?
This is a toughy. We get asked “what do you sound like?” a lot, and yet answering this never gets easier. I would say that we have elements rock and electronica buttressed by a powerful rhythm section. I would say that we always focus on writing strong melodic content with meaningful lyrics. We’ve been told from others that we sound like everything, from Muse to the Shins, and even Phillip Glass.

Who are some of your musical influences?
Colin and I come from different musical backgrounds. I come from the world of classical music, my mother was a concert pianist, so obviously classical music plays a huge role in my songwriting. Colin grew up in the studio watching his father play guitar (he was a big shot in the DC scene), so he is able to bring all sorts of interesting elements to the table, particularly gogo beats.

We both love the classics: Zeppelin, Sabbath, James Brown, Harry Nillson, Sam Cooke, among a myriad of others.

How did you become involved in Zach Braff’s Kickstarter campaign for his 2013 film Wish I Was Here?
I was called by our Manager and was asked if we were cool with Zach Braff using our music for his campaign. Of course we said yes, but honestly, I have no idea how he found it.

The movie comes out this summer…have you gotten a sneak peek? If so, what do you think?
Nope, no sneak previews.

What would you say is the neighborhood’s best kept secret?
I would hate to give away my secrets, but I would have to say Reyes’ Mexican Deli on 4th ave between 14th and 15th. They have the best carnitas tacos, and for what they charge it’s an absolute steal. Also the fifth avenue fair… is that a secret? If not no worries, that is just one rad event.

What song best represents South Slope?
I think Islands. That song is about how it takes a village to make a person, and I really love the community here. There are just a bunch of great people, who have a large stake in the neighborhood.

What can you tell us about your upcoming Rock Shop concert?
It is one of the last shows that we’ll be playing before we hit the studio in June. We’ve been really focused on writing new material, so it’ll definitely be a blast for people looking to catch us and see what new stuff we are up to. Also, we are playing with one of our favorite local bands Courtesy Tier.

Anything else that we’ve left out that you’d like to share with the world (well, South Slope, Greenwood Heights, and Windsor Terrace)?
Our song “Oceans” was recently nominated for the IMA’s for the best Alt/Indie song category. You can listen to that song on our website.

Don’t miss Rob and Colin this weekend at The Rock Shop (249 4th Avenue, between President and Carroll Streets). The show (21 and older) takes place on Saturday, April 12, at 8pm. Tickets, which can be purchased here, are $8. For more information, visit the Rock Shop website.

Photo via Facebook