BAND PROFILE: The Physics of Meaning

Some bands defy definition or description. It would be nearly impossible to suggest you check out The Physics of Meaning based on what you already listen to because their sound is beyond any one genre.

• READ THE FESTIVA REVIEW OF THE PHYSICS OF MEANING'S NEW CD.

Daniel Hart holds the reins of this chamber rock/post-rock/experimental rock (pick one) band. Let's get it out of the way now - Hart tours with John Vanderslice, he contributes to The Polyphonic Spree and is a member of St. Vincent. So it's safe to say Hart has a bit of experience in creating music.

Hart spent his childhood learning the craft of classical music, all while listening to Led Zeppelin and Yes. That much is evident when you listen to the songs of The Physics of Meaning.

Different musicians join Hart when he travels on tour, so the line-up of the band is always changing. Rest assured, though, Hart will always be at the front, playing his violin and singing simultaneously. Yes, simultaneously - it's not an easy feat.

Moreover, The Physics of Meaning charm their audiences with a blend of rock and classical, fusing the two seamlessly into a melodic symphony of sound, emotion and hypnotic beats.

What has been the response to the new album?

There's one blog online that reviewed our first album and gave it a really positive review who didn't want to review this one because they didn't like it as much as the first album. Everything else has been pretty much in between.

How do you feel about it, compared to your first album?

I feel okay. My main qualms with this album are the vocals and my violin playing. So mostly the things that I was responsible for. Everything else that everyone else did I'm very happy with.

Whose idea was the photo shoot?

It was my idea. There's a puppet company in Chapel Hill - Paperhand Puppet Intervention. And they put on a show every summer in a big outdoor theater here. I know some of the people who do that and I tend to see a lot of their shows and I asked them if I could rent some of their masks and puppets to do a photo shoot and they were really nice. They let me pick through their whole stash.

What were you trying to convey?

I don't know. I was going for mysterious. There's supposed to be an element of mystery.

Why did you choose music as a career?

It's more fun than anything else I've ever done, but it's also more fulfilling than anything else I've ever done. I think it's in my blood. Both of my parents are musicians. Someone once said that music is ... because it's intangible; it's a way to get closer to a higher power. Because you play music and you can't grab that and hold it in your hand, but it's there, something's happening. And that holds magic for me. And I like having some magic in my life.

LIVE: THE PHYSICS OF MEANING 8:15 p.m.tonight at Archer Park