Zox

It seems unlikely that a band based out of Providence, R.I., could so earnestly echo the sunny ska-pop-punk sound of such quintessential Southern California bands as Sublime and No Doubt. It also would seem unlikely that said band could improve upon the already successful template, folding in an eclectic host of other influences. And, to top it all off, even find a place within that bubbling mix for a violin. Nevertheless, Zox does.

Very appropriately, Zox will open for the Sublime-tribute band Badfish on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Ushuaia in Orono. This is an 18 and up show and doors open at 8 p.m.

The band’s full-length debut, “Take Me Home,” is a solid album of intelligent, groove-happy rock nicely underscored by some quieter moments of lyrical introspection. The seemingly effortless fusion of Spencer Swain’s violin work adds a unique textural dynamic without sapping any of the album’s fun or energy.

What’s more, many of the album’s 14 tracks also have enough hooks to be ready-for-radio pop.

“My songwriting tends to veer in that direction,” explains Eli Miller, Zox’s guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. “I have pretty eclectic taste in music, but I do like radio music, so that comes out.”

But, Miller says, fleshing out songs with his bandmates – violinist Swain, bassist Eli Batalion and drummer John Zox (the band’s namesake) – helps to balance out the pop, keeping the band’s sound sharp, not saccharine. Miller also cites constant touring as another key to the band’s continually evolving sound, which he says now veers toward a harder rock direction as well as incorporating elements of electronica.

Ushuaia, located at 103 Park St. in Orono (right across from the entrance to the University of Maine campus), is the best and closest thing you’ll find to an urban dance club this far north and regularly hosts some of the best techno, electronica and dance sounds around. The decor is stylish, but the atmosphere, naturally, depends on the music featured that night. Stay tuned for more about Ushuaia in a future Rockin’/Out.

George Bragdon can reached at gbragdon@bangordailynews.net. For more about Zox, visit www.zoxband.com. For more about Wednesday’s show, call Ushuaia at 866-7700.