Columbus music fans better prepare to “get down” because campus area favorites, Gravity 44 have released their new CD, “A Further Iteration.”

Since meeting up in 1999 at Ohio State, this band mixed there ska, funk and metal sounds at such notable venues as the Northberg Tavern and Bernie’s Distillery. The band which was randomly formed by vocalist Ty Pierce, bassist/vocalist Lance Weinkamer and drummer Jim Kilburg. The band just recently added guitarist, Matt Good.

In the last three years, the band has gone from releasing the unpolished EP “Escape Velocity” to becoming known as one of the area’s best live bands, beating out 14 others to win Ohio State’s Battle of the Bands contest this past year.

The group said a large portion of its fan base may not appreciate every musical style that is incorporated into its songs, but the fans keep coming back to see the band’s kinetic live shows.

“We have so much fun interacting with the crowd,” Weinkamer said. “I think fans really believe our lyrics are honest.”

Every original band member contributed lyrics to “A Further Iteration.” The album balances personal experiences, including the bands past involvement in less than stellar bands and takes on broader subjects such as the music industry. The group is able to convey messages and stories that many fans will relate to.

“The lyrics are not necessarily personal, but we do put our own spin on universal subjects,” Kilburg said.

Good agrees. “One of the main reasons I agreed to join the band was because I felt they had something to say,” he said.

The group attributes its ability to play passionate shows to the unity that exists within the group.

“After a week of playing a new song we adapt to each other’s playing style and we play the song the same,” Weinkamer said.

Members of the group also share similar musical tastes, citing bands such as 311, Reel Big Fish and Incubus as musical influences for the band’s hard guitar riffs, ska lyrics and rapid rhymes. The band, however, admits to having some musical influences that may not be reflected in its sound, such as Phish, Green Day and even some tunes from the 1980s.

“Our music really attracts a random crowd,” said Weinkamer. “The only thing most fans may have in common with each other is their passion for the music.”

Kilburg urges veteran Gravity 44 fans to continue to support the band at upcoming shows.

“With the addition of Matt and this new album, we are able to keep things fresh,” Kilburg said.

Manager Jared Rothkopf hopes the new CD will act as a launching pad for Gravity 44, providing more exposure for the band.

“We are all really proud of the quality of the CD,” Rothkopf said. “We are different from all the other bands playing around campus.”

“A Further Iteration” has a higher sound quality, heavier sound and a more diverse mix of songs than the band’s first release. “Space Madness,” the opening track, is a hard driving release of screams, pounding beats and heavy bass.

Songs such as “Ideology” and “Sunday” display the group’s uncanny ability to combine ska-like lyrics and rap style rhymes and layer them over heavy rock and metal guitar riffs. Written by both Kilburg and Pierce, “Ideology” is a strong attack against those in the status quo who try to force their beliefs on others. Lyrics such as “Change doesn’t destroy who we are” truly exhibit the band’s views.

“Checking Into 553” is a rollicking tout of the band’s eclectic style, beginning with Pierce crooning his way into a tale of a musician that is trapped in an awkward band. As the song progresses, Pierce gives way to all out screams of frustration to portray the avenged musician.

Fans of hard rock, metal, punk or ska should find the CD not only innovative, but also filled with substance, passion and sound.

Gravity 44 will be playing Saturday at the Scarlet and Gray Cafe along with the Jewell Scarabs from Cleveland. Those 18 and older are welcome at the cafe, located at the corner of W. Norwich and High St. Doors open at 10 p.m.