Listening to the confident sounds of Bodega, one would expect a band of  seasoned musicians and not a group barely in their early 20s. But, due to each member’s extensive musical training, this cool, calm and collected quintet—budding from the soulful streets of Philadelphia—is able to exude an audible swagger far beyond their years. Each song is versatile, traveling through an array of textures, rhythms and instrumentation.

Resisting the urge to strut becomes difficult when listening to the seamless interplay of saxophone and guitar in the elating riffs of “113,” and if the first three minutes don’t grasp your undivided attention, the following extended solo section displaying virtuosic improvisation at a heated tempo is sure to have you hooked. Despite its title, “Cancer and Urine” really is something sweet, lending a mix of crisp percussion and bass slapped so hard you’ll wonder if it was being punished. This convincing combination of addictive riffs and musical versatility has enabled Bodega to separate itself from the competition and perform with a very respectable roster of national touring acts, the likes of STS9 and Soulive.

With influences spanning from Stevie Wonder to Weather Report to Fela Kuti, these youngsters’ live performance guarantees funky beats and a blissful atmosphere. Check them out at the 5th annual Muddy River Jam Festival in Morrisville, PA, on August 1st!