Rhetoric

Rhetoric has gone from rocky start to rock solid.

A rotating lineup led to some bumpy beginnings for the North Broward-based band, formed in 2008. But change has been a good thing, leading to a permanent crew who's formed a tight bond and an equally tight sound.

"It's a good, comfortable fit," frontman Rocket Miceli said. "The three of us, it's like it's meant to be."

Rocket supplies lead vocals and guitar for the alternative/grunge group, with bassist Jorge "Dread" Peres and John "JP" Porpora on drums. The trio has created a cohesive unit, blending rock rhythms with blues, funk, jazz and ska.

It's been a totally unexpected ride for Rocket.

At the group's first show, they took fourth place out of 12 entrants in a Fort Myers battle of the bands competition.

There were still some kinks to work out, however.

Now, everything's gelling. "We're like brothers," Dread said.

The guys have cut back on performing to record a self-titled debut disc, due to drop this summer or early fall.

After the album's release, Rocket said the group will return to their hectic show schedule, including their regular gigs at the American Rock Bar in Deerfield Beach and Tobacco Road in Miami.

- Sun Sentinel?Article 6/04/2010 By Beth Feinstein-Bartl