DORIAN GEIGER
Sports Editor

Despite how mainstream dubstep has become, not too many live dubstep bands visit Saskatoon — until now. Grand Analog‘s new side-project, Blast Action Hero, arrives at Amigos on April 29.

Composed of Ofield Williams and his drummer Aaron Edgar, Blast Action Hero employs turntables, live keyboards and drums to transform the harmonies of dubstep into an instrumental reality.

Williams, co-founder of Grand Analog, along with his brother Odario, have enjoyed much acclaim in the Canadian indie rap scene in recent years. Last fall Grand Analog collected some prestigious hardware in the form of a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for best hip-hop album, ousting local hip-hop heroes Factor and Def3.

Established in 2007, the Winnipeg-based Grand Analog has maintained a loyal fan base in Saskatoon, opening for Herbaliser at Louis in 2008 and Shad at Amigos last spring. Despite the difference in sound between Grand Analog and Blast Action Hero, Williams is confident this love will extend to Saskatoon once the city gets a taste of what the dubstep band is all about.

“To break Blast Action down — it’s a DJ, his keyboard and a drummer! Couldn’t really break it down any more than that. We combine both analog percussion and digital mayhem to provide a harmonious thunder storm,” said Williams via email from Toronto. Williams is currently on the road with Grand Analog.

Williams holds down the keyboard and turntable end of things, but the Manitoban drummer Edgar is not to be discounted. Edgar is one of the most in-demand drummers in Eastern Canada, working with Jack Semple, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Waking Eyes. Edgar initially hooked up with Williams after working together on Grand Analog shows. According to Williams, Edgar’s unique character is the best part about working with veteran drummer.

“He’s one of the most talented musicians I know and he’s great guy — but dark as fuck! I related to that almost instantly,” said Williams.

“I then started to bring him out to DJ gigs so we could mash out together. It’s worked well ever since,” he added.

As to how far Blast Action Hero will go, Williams said that for right now, the side-project is for shits and giggles. However, he’s open to the possibility of the group blossoming in the future.

“At the moment, Blast Action is for fun. We are supplying the public with something they thirst for. I just like to provide options. We’ve been asked the same question but I’m not thinking about that just yet. We just want to fucking rock out.”

A perfectionist to the core, Williams wasn’t about to put out anything sub-par — his mix tapes and work with Grand Analog confirms this — but at the same time he’s aware there is room for growth in fine-tuning Blast Action Hero’s trademark sound.

“The support has been phenomenal considering how premature the act is. It’s fun because it’s new. Lots of room for improvement, I’m sure. But I’d only hope that was the case or else I’d get bored too quick,” Williams echoed.

In the formulation of the dubstep band’s catchy name, Williams credits his hip hop background and flair for wordplay.

“The name came from the ”˜rapper’s’ mentality that will forever be ingrained in my soul — just word-playing ideas in my head. I find it catchy, and it encompasses a renegade-type style I live by. We are here as conduits to take things to a different level,” Williams said.

So what can one expect from Blast Action Hero at Amigos on April 29?

“An energy driven show that compiles brand new secondhand sounds with new age soundscapes. We will be jumping in and out of popular tracks of my favourite artists as well as original works of ours. A melodically bass-heavy dance party is a good start!”

Blast Action Hero plays on April 29 at Amigos.

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