USS is short for Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker. The band is made up of two guys. Ashley Buchholz is their main vocalist and guitarist. Jason Parsons handles the turntable, computer beat, background vocals and banter with the audience. At the CNE Bandshell concert there was also someone banging on Drums.

The core of their sound is electronic beats with acoustic rhythm guitar. Heavy on the electronic Bass and Drums. During their encore, I was standing around the sound board. Whoever was handling the sound, did an amazing job. Great clean and even sound for the whole show. Lets not forget the lighting guy or guys. I saw Lou Gramm play the CNE bandshell the prior evening. The lighting for the USS concert was so much different, that you would thank that it was at a different venue. Brilliant lighting work which made a superb concert even better.

The start of show had pyrotechnics going off. Security ushered the photogs in the pit, away from the stage. Once the flames subsided we were allowed back. USS played right behind the pyro flames. Most performances start slowly and build up steam. Not with USS. The flames at the start,  were like a metaphor for a rocket launch. USS launched like a rocket and kept right on going. Energy filled show from start to finish.

There was an extraordinary connection between the band, it’s music and the fans who came out to see USS play at the CNE Bandshell. This band not only plays for the audience, it talks to them and throughout the entire set. Jason had the fans jumping up and down, dancing or waving their arms. This USS concert, was about audience participation.

Not having seen USS before Saturday night, I was astounded that it was only two guys (and a Drummer) on stage. This electronic beats / music I believe has it’s roots in Europe. Mia Martina, another great Canadian band, has electronic music and has an amazing Sax player, but no guitarist. Big Black Delta from California also has electronic beat/music along with two drummers and a bass player, but no guitarist. Big Black Delta and USS are similar in that they have percussion heavy sound.

Jason and Ashley put a show that gave the audience what they desired. At one point during their set, the Audience started chanting USS. Jumping and swaying to the beat was everywhere. Like I said earlier, USS was able to create an almost instant connection with their audience. That bond was maintained even past their encore. The lineup was huge at the merch tent area, where fans could meet and great with the band.

Kind of  amazing that these two guys first met while filling a beer fridge as part of their jobs at a Golf Course. Well at least that is folklore which was posted on the USS Wiki page. Just click on the following link: Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker wiki page.

You can find future concert and Tour info on their : Official USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker) website