As the young trio DWI pump out their first few chords, I can see why, when asked, the group was hard-pressed to find a comparison for their unique musical style. Steady, almost poppy guitar riffs laid out over a solid rhythm section, this band sounds at first like your average twenty-something folk rock group. Catchy rhythms, simple and unpretentious harmonies. But the real surprise comes with lead guitarist Danielle’s powerful vocals, which really carry the group. One of the main acts at The Saint this Friday, DWI had the crowd on the edge of their seats--if not entirely off of them, and out onto the dance floor.

"We’ve been told we sound like a cross between Alanis Morrisette and Led Zeppelin," the group laugh, unsure whether to verify this ambivalent description. "But to be honest, I don’t know who we really sound like." The group calls their music, "original, alternative, acoustic, folk-rock." Might be a mouthful for the record label, but their eclectic mix of songs show offshoots from at least this many genres. Sometimes dark and melodic, sometimes poppy, sometimes loud, energetic and dance-worthy, DWI is sure to get your foot tapping, whatever your musical preference. Danielle even threw in her own "twist" of a Bob Dylan song, though sung more on-key than Dylan himself ever did it.

The band met while still attending high school in Tinton Falls. Drummer Danny Fiorri had been playing drums since ‘94, and played for four years with the high school band. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Danielle Donangello, is a more recent musician. She bought her first instrument - a 30$ guitar from BJ’s - in high school, and has worked her way up from there. The group also includes bassist Doug Migula. DWI started performing in 2001, but began writing their own music and playing out more seriously in 2003.
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After his set, I had a chance to chat with him over cappuccino about who he is, how much he loves his shore town, and why everyone he meets just can’t get enough of him. Even though Jon Caspi has only lived a year or so in his town, Keyport, this is truly a place that he calls home. Seeing him singing in Espresso Joe’s is certainly an

experience. The 2nd anniversary party at Espresso Joe’s last February, which drew a mixed crowd of locals and out-of-towners allowed him to give a glimpse into his view of life in Keyport and his neighbors. He welcomes the hecklers, many who live on his block. With his clever lyrics, he paints a picture of the ideallic American town. And after going there a few times now, I totally understand the preserved charm of the area.

 The residents want me to move there. This NJCoast journalist is now a celebrity in Keyport!

Many kind souls in Keyport lent a hand creating Jon’s CD
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