Soul music takes many forms, from dance rhythms to groove-tinged funk, but at its core is passion, a trait it shares with punk rock. While the mix of the two might seem unlikely at first, one San Diego group, Irradio, will leave a listener wondering why the combination hasn’t been used more often. With the new album “I Am The Horn” imminent and touring on the horizon, the quintet’s explosive sound is poised to take the band from the national to the international stage. Irradio has released three discs previously, but the latest finds the band hitting a peak with material that’s edgy and at times danceable but always with a surplus of melody. Irradio was scheduled to preview material from the album Jan. 24 at the Che Café located on the UCSD campus. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled along with all other pending concerts at the venue while insurance issues are worked out. Instead, Irradio will perform a concert the same night at Music Trader, 3112 Midway Drive. The music starts at 7 p.m. Lead guitarist Dan Dasher takes such problems in stride. “After almost nine years of ups and downs and ups again with this band, something like this is relatively minor — after all, the show must go on,” he said. His casual demeanor belies the intense nature of his music. That intensity has been evident ever since Dasher decided to become a musician while a teenager. Citing a combination of “trying to harness the ability to move minds with subtle action of sound” and a copy of the album “On the Kill Taker” by Fugazi, he decided he needed to make music. “During the summer of ’93, when I was 16, I wanted to control the sound of my thoughts, so I taught myself the guitar,” he said. A year and a half later, still in high school, he made his live debut with Righteous Youth, playing and selling out the Soma Sidestage. “We played well, despite going out of tune the last half of the set. I was so nervous,” Dasher laughed. The band split in 1999, paving the way for Irradio the following year. Irradio has had three lineups in its nine-year existence, with the current edition featuring, in addition to Dasher, bassist Rick Blare, woodwind player Steven Welker, drummer Greg Sudor, guitarist Jim Hughs and keyboardist Edgar Alminar. The band has already scored notable successes, including licensing songs to the Discovery Channel and has worked with famed producers Les Camacho (Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac) and most recently Mitch Wilson of acclaimed indie rockers No Knife. While hopes are high for the upcoming album and tour, Dasher considers that for better or worse, he’ll be happy to always be a musician. “I’m a lifer,” he said. “I love that you can make people feel things with your songs and that your idea can be set to a beat and melody.” For him, music holds just as much promise as it did the first time he picked up a guitar as a youngster. “I love music and the purpose it serves in the world,” Dasher remarked. “Music plays a huge role in everyone’s life today. Musicians are the ones who have always brought hope, movement, life and freedom.” Irradio performs at Music Trader, 3112 Midway Drive, Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. The show is open to all ages. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/irradio.
