Caveman isn't trying to reinvent the wheel.

Like many "jam bands," the five-piece group has a diverse, hard to classify sound. But while many of those other groups have taken the evolutionary steps into the musical beyond, Caveman has chosen to stick with its primeval groove.

The band will perform at 10:30 tonight at The Brewery, 223 E. Beaver Ave., with Thursday night regulars Alchemy, opening.

Based out of Newtown, Caveman's members have been together since 2001, when they met while studying music at New York's New School University. Guitarist John Lee said the band has tried to label its music since its formation, but that has not been an easy task.

"We definitely cater to everybody," he said. "We kind of advertise ourselves in the jam band community, because it seemed to make the most sense, but what I've found is our greatest fans aren't only into that."

Alchemy guitarist Stanton Custer has seen the group on several occasions, including three nights at the Endless Mountains Music Festival over the summer. The group's instrumental music features plenty of ethnic influences and isn't confined to straight-ahead jazz or rock, he said.

"They mix it up a lot. It's not simple music, but it's real primitive and rhythm-based," Custer said. "It's unlike anything I've ever heard."

That primitive nature is what drives Caveman's live show, Lee said. But while the group's tribal sound is reminiscent of ancient times, the songs aren't unsophisticated.

"They're very arranged, but they leave a lot of room to improvise," Lee said. "There are lots of sections with solos for individuals, or for the whole band to spontaneously create based on a structure.

"We're extremely passionate. The music just turns us into animals; there's lots of energy."

The members of Caveman also frequently add another prehistoric element to their stage show by coating themselves with decorative body paint beforehand. The gimmick sometimes adds to the band's energy, but it isn't always necessary.

"It's all about the energy of the room," Lee said. "If we don't get painted it could still be an awesome show."

The group's original lineup, which also includes bassist John Buck, drummer Tim Keiper, keyboardist Brian Marsella and percussionist Matt Brundrett, remains intact. Lee said Caveman took its name from a project he was working on with Buck that "sounded like prehistoric funk."

However, Caveman has its own "pre-history" in the State College music scene. The group appeared at The Brewery in April as the opening act for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and has also played several times at Tall Shiva Hookah Lounge, 224 W. College Ave.

Matthew Carlson, former talent buyer for The Brewery, said the group was booked again based on its explosive performance.

"They blew everyone away," he said. "They're a phenomenal band. They put on an amazing live show and they have a great stage presence."

Although the group is still playing smaller venues, Caveman is planning on hitting all the major music festivals this summer and touring nationally, Lee said.

"It's good to meet up with another band that's going somewhere," Custer said. "They're really nice guys, so I know it's going to be a good night right off the bat. It's exciting to have our band associated with them."