Intricate wordplay, soulful roots, memorable hooks, old-school vocal harmonies, and intense passion are some of the elements that form the sound of the Alchemystics, a band based in the Northampton, MA area coming to play at College of the Atlantic on Friday, April 25 in the college's Gates Center. Doors open at 8 p.m., at 8:30 p.m. there's DJ music and the band begins at 9 p.m.

The Alchemystics began as a trio in 2003, with music that reflected a variety of genres: heavy rhythms, reggae, hip hop, soul and dub. The name developed because the members-vocalists Force, Souljah T, Ras Jahn, guitarist/singer Ian-I, Jay Metcalf on keyboard, Garrett Sawyer on bass and Demse Zullo on drums-believe that music is alchemy, and also somewhat mystical.

Band members have a variety of experience, including studying percussion with masters in Cuba, winning orchestral awards, touring the Caribbean playing soca, recording at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong studio, studying flamenco, performing in Afro-Caribbean drum and dance troupes, and a diploma from Berklee College of Music. The Alchemystics' veteran rhythm section has backed musical legends such as the Abyssinians, Tony Rebel, and Rupee.

Performing live, the Alchemystics specialize in high-energy performances that get crowds jumping and dancing to what they like to call their "new roots music." Bring your dancing shoes.

Tickets are $10, available at the door. For more information, call Tonia Kittelson at 288-5015.