Great things come from the opposition of ideas and attitudes. In this vein, Bryon Friedman is an artist of extremes. Although comfortable at high speeds, his soundscape is more lazy river, confidence in time, and unrushed. His words are both specific (“you’re only five foot two”) and open (“can’t wash his thoughts upstairs”), drawing the line between biography and gentle optimism. Backed by a real barbeque band of friends, there is something more to his melodies than the monkey trap of singer-songwriter appeal, the layers of melodica, Wurlitzer, and percussion lend to a ribs and beer party vibe. Whether its his lyrics, sounds, or vibe that you get lost in when listening to Bryon’s first recorded offering, Road Sodas, will draw in listeners from the whole spectrum.