By Matthew S. Macnaughton

Violin Rock? Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is in fact the rallying cry of Providence, R.I.’s ZOX. With a bubbling fan base in the neighboring Island of Rhode, ZOX recently headlined a sold out show, at the 1,000 capacity Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence. This past Thursday, at the Middle East Downstairs, ZOX treated their Boston fans with an electrifying show, highlighted by the violinist Spencer’s virtuoso playing and whirlwind energy.

For a show that was opened by two acts that did not attract many fans to the stage, it was surprising to see that after just one song, ZOX seemed to have thrown the entire place to their feet. With pulsating grooves such as “The Squid” and the infectious sing-along vocals in “Leaving Me,” ZOX had the entire crowd hopping and shimmying on the dance floor.

All of the band members have degrees from Brown University, but they might as well have graduated from the Berklee College of Music based on their startling prowess with instruments. Bass player Dan Edinberg thumped, slapped, and raced up and down the neck of his bass, while struggling to keep his hat on, as his head seemed to shake uncontrollably. Drummer John Zox, from whom the band’s name hails, kept the rhythms beating in the chest of the audience, forcing everyone to either dance or nod their heads in appreciation. Eli Miller, the golden locked lead singer/guitarist, had the fans screaming for more, with an infectious smile and a soulful wail. Yet the center of attention was zeroed in on Spencer Swain’s tornado violin playing. He not only can go chop for chop with any classical violinist , but he manages to do it while jumping, spinning and twisting all over the stage.

“Their stage presence is unbelievable, and the combination of intricate violin playing and reggae-ska rhythms makes for a great time,” said Ben Kneppers, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.

There was a longer line for the merchandise counter than for the restroom, and most of these new fans walked away with both shirt and CD in tote. After the show, the band emerged from back stage and greeted, shook hands and even got a drink with some of their fans.

“Awesome guys, and an awesome show. ZOX rocks,” said Caitlin Fahey, a communications major at Emerson.

This band has just begun to break new ground, and they show no signs of stopping. Be sure to catch ZOX at their next show on Oct. 24, at the Paradise Rock Club. It will be students’ last chance to catch the band for a while because they are going on tour to Arizona and back this winter.

For tickets to the Paradise show go to nextticketing.com..