Well Suited could very well become your favorite new band. Although the Montague-based group formed in 2010, they have a new lineup and a sound that's quite different from when they started in their teens. Currently, they are a six-piece band consisting of Dylan Bocon on vocals, Mackae Freeland and Mike Parker on guitars, Jake Lewis on bass, and brothers Ben and Corban Mailloux on drums and saxophone, respectively. The group, who recently released the EP "Five More Minutes," plays a unique brand of Americana that is made for dancing and singing along.

You'll get a chance to do just that when Well Suited plays at the Mill in Shelburne Falls on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. This show is presented by the Permaculture Place. 

The band formed when its three founding members were students at Turners Falls High School.

"My two best friends growing up were Jake Lewis, who plays bass, and Ben Mailloux, who's on the drums," said vocalist Dylan Bocon in a recent phone interview. "I always liked to sing, so I was like, 'Do you guys wanna play music and form a band?'" 

They agreed, and the trio (who took the name Well Suited at the suggestion of Bocon's sister) went on to form a punk band that played music in the style of the Ramones. 

From the start, they played original music written by Bocon. "I never wanted to be in a cover band.  I always just wanted to create my own music," he said. "I think that's what separates us from a lot of the local bands around Greenfield, because we play originals and people tend to like it, and they come to our shows, so we must be doing something right."

They were doing something right from the beginning, earning a following of local fans and releasing an album called "Inside Out" when they were each only 17.

But life changes after high school graduation, and people move on, and the band came undone. Bocon went on to work as an acoustic solo artist accompanied by bassist Jake Lewis. Then, in 2018, Mailloux, who had moved to Chicago, returned to the area. The trio found another guitarist, and the band was back in business.

"We decided to still go under Well Suited because we still had a bit of a following. We had a new guitar player and then Mackae joined the band," said Bocon. "Our sound then was more hard rock. We released another EP in 2020 ("Better Things"), but with that form of the band, we didn't play that many shows, and then the guitarist moved away, so we had to restart again after that." 

The current version of the group began two years ago when they brought guitarist Mike Parker into the band.

"We brought him in to see if he'd be a good fit,  and it turned out he was a great fit. It's been perfect," Bocon said of the present lineup.  "About a year ago, we brought in Corban, our saxophone player, who is the drummer's little brother."

The three founding members have remained committed to this project, witnessing its incredible evolution and growth over the years.

"I think it's because we have such a tight friendship, and we've always shared the passion for music, and it's honestly probably what's kept us close," said Bocon. "You know, I still only see those guys when we're practicing; it kind of keeps the friendship going, which is nice."

The new EP, "Five More Minutes," showcases the tightness of the new lineup, which has found a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. The EP features four tracks, including the infectious pop tune "Like I Do" and the Steely Dan vibe of "San Francisco." Each song captures the energy and diverse influences of the group's six members. Bocon describes this music as "the music I'm most proud of and most attached to," noting the challenge of defining Well Suited's sound. This is why they often categorize themselves under the alternative rock/Americana label. Overall, "Five More Minutes" is the perfect addition to your summer playlist.

He noted that his influences have changed over the years,  citing artist Tyler Childers as well as artists like the Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, and the local group the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow as having a significant impact.

He would love to see Well Suited follow in the footsteps of the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow in gaining the type of following that they have on the local scene.

"It's been our best year as far as playing shows and trying to get well-known locally, and we're just out there trying to reach a larger audience because we are still very new to a lot of people,” said Bocon, adding that adding that the band is working hard to raise funds to record a full-length release, and they hope to be in the studio no later than early 2026. 

"I want people to know that we are a fun, energetic band that you have to give a chance and give a listen to," he said. There is no better way to do that than to head to the Mill on Saturday night and catch them live.

The show is on the lawn at the Mill, so bring a blanket or chair to sit on and a picnic if you would like. Tickets are available at thepermacultureplace.org.

Dark Star Orchestra at Tree House Brewing Co. 

People can't get enough of the Grateful Dead, which explains the sheer number of tribute bands out there devoted to their music. But there is one that rises above the rest, and that is the Dark Star Orchestra. The band will play two shows at the summer stage at Tree House Brewing Co. in South Deerfield on Monday, Aug. 4, and Tuesday, Aug. 5. Both shows begin at 6 p.m.

The band got together back in 1997 in Chicago, only a couple of years after Jerry Garcia had died, at a time when tribute bands weren't as commonplace as they are now.

Dark Star Orchestra made a mark for themselves with their excellent musicianship and their ability to recreate specific Grateful Dead concerts. Fans enjoy going to the shows, and after listening to a couple of songs, they try to figure out which show they are playing. But more than capturing their sound, the Dark Star Orchestra captures the vibe and overall experience of being at a Dead show.

They have played over 2,000 shows all over the world, recreating the Grateful Dead experience for those who never saw the band live and bringing back great memories for those who did. 

Tickets are available at dspshows.com

Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.