Words by Kevin Alan Lamb Aqueous (pronounced “ay-kwee-us”), like water, is as smooth and groovy as a Western wave at sunset. Since forming in Buffalo in 2006, guitarist Mike Gantzer, guitarist/keyboardist David Loss, bassist Evan McPhaden, and drummer Rob Houk have manifest “groove rock” stylings into the jam scene, developing a special sound characterized by meticulous compositions and rich exploratory jams that easily transition from laidback, in-the-pocket grooves to furious, high-intensity peaks. Carving their way through their second decade of precision and technical prowess, Aqueous has emerged a shimmering star in the scene, navigating the constant conflict of the road on a foundation of honest music, made consistent with conviction and a positive attitude. Given his first guitar at 12-years-old, Mike Gantzer was given the blessing of music from his dad Doug, who has since left this realm, but not before bestowing such musical gifts as The Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, and