DMB On Tap!

by Diana Schwartz

Have you ever wished you could have a shot playing music with the Dave Matthews Band? While that dream may come true for a few hard working folks in the music industry, those fortunate enough to have an iPhone and Tap Tap Revolution, an application produced by Tapulous, get the next best thing - Tap Tap Dave Matthews Band.

For those not familiar with the game, it is somewhat like many rhythm gaming platforms - keep time with the music by pressing buttons. In this case, it's three small buttons at the bottom of the screen; points are scored by tapping these buttons as discs pass over them.

As you correctly 'tap' the notes, you are awarded points. One of the first things I noticed with the application is how the game changes the instrument you follow at various points; sometimes you follow the guitar, other times you follow the violin or drum tracks, with other sections having an emphasis on vocals. This allows the person playing to develop a deeper understanding of the music and timing that makes DMB a favorite on the repeat button.

Four different levels are available according to your experience - or ability to keep the rhythm. Adding to the fun, you can submit your scores to the global community and see where you rank against other registered tappers.

While 'Funny the Way It Is' is available for free as part of Tap Tap Extreme, for an additional $4.99 you can purchase the other songs that are available at this time: American Baby, Ants Marching, Crash Into Me, Everyday, What Would You Say, So Much to Say, Shake Me Like A Monkey, Tripping Billies and Two Step. Tracks also feature different themes and backgrounds, reflecting the album that they originated from.

As an added bonus, there is a real-time DMB news feed featured on the app, allowing you to keep track of your favorite band while tapping your way to the top.

The game is a whole lot of fun, with some tracks (like Everyday) featuring a 'stage' backdrop; pictures of the band playing live rotate throughout the background with spotlights waving back and forth.

As a regular user of the application, I can honestly say Shake Me Like a Monkey and Two Step are two of the hardest songs I have ever attempted to tap. I was a registered tapper before this application came about, and now with this addition, it's become a regular part of my day. While I may never get the opportunity to be on-stage with DMB, at least I know that with this application, they will always be 'on-tap' to play with me.

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