Eclectic Vibes - March 2009
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
GRIMM Tidings of Great Joy
Larkin Grimm stunned the Madison audience with her appearance on 2/17/09 at The Frequency. Enraptured by her very being from the first note, this mesmerizing siren spun her tails of mystery and intrigue while wielding a cerebral assault of witty lyrics to compliment her amazing presence.
The title track for Grimm’s current release titled “Parflar” is based on the concept of there being an imaginary planet of spirit orgasms. Larkin was happy to appoint herself as sexual shaman and lead the crowd on a momentary mental sojourn to the ecstatic place.
For an encore she responded with a rousting round of the call and response Kirtan style song “Durge.” This managed to confound unsuspecting drunks on all sides, but affording an opportunity for a hearty sing along before exiting into the dark night.
Burn Sand Burn
Not In ReverseRecord Label: Gary the “Landlord” Records
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 7
This 3 piece spawn of Denver, CO gleefully cranks out spunky punk/post punk utterances that twirl tales of melodic indie pop platitudes into a vision of an energetic now.
Al Conti
ScheherazadeRecord Label: Shadowside Music
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 9
Utilizing the legendary tales of 1001 Arabian nights is a sure bet for a theme and Conti supports the legends with ambient Middle Eastern musical structures while embellishing his work with exotic instruments and captivating arrangements. Escape to another world.
Eisbrecher
SündeRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 8
Not all German industrial metal bands sound like Rammstein, but these folks sure do. The unyielding throbbing metal marches form a platform for the foreboding deep German vocals that are barked with a crisp snap.
Randy Granger
A Place Called PeaceRecord Label: Dogsense Music
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 9
Serene and meditative Native American flutes are melded and invoked above a percussive platform including Native drums and djembe plus the unique UFO shaped Hang drum. Perfect accompaniment for a blazing summer sunset.
Julie The Band
An Act Of CommunicationRecord Label: Baby Bird Records
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 8
Effervescent and artsy alt-rock that floats from the extremes of lush etheric choir vocals to abrupt post-punk skewered beats. A horn section adds depth and flavor to this eclectic mix.
Luna Mortis
The AbsenceRecord Label: Century Media
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 9
Displaying a polished melodic thrash attack, this Madison quintet marks the major metal scene in a big way! Fronted by a metal maiden and cajoling intricate yet cohesive fretboards furies into the neckwrecking percussion finds solid grounding here.
Matthew Montfort
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard GuitarRecord Label: Ancient Future Music
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 7
Being aptly titled to describe the non vocal guitar wizardry on this debut release from award winning Ancient Future band leader manages to expose his proficiencies and improvisational skills. Although well executed and technically proficient, the serenades are a tad on the dry side overall
Mariah Parker
SangriaRecord Label: Ancient Future Music
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 7
Spicy tantalizing flamenco melodies cross pollinate with East Indian rhythms that beg to be imbibed in while a gentle warm breeze rustles your hair. Jazzy flirtations permeate the world music foray and are focused by Parkers poignant piano (or santur) accentuations.
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire - Original SoundtrackRecord Label: Interscope Records
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 10
Bringing Bollywood rhythms fused with hip hop beats to the minds of millions, this Oscar winning soundtrack weaves an intricate intertwining tale of suspense and drama. Spanning a splendid musical spectrum these tracks take the listener on an exotic experience as varied and exciting as the movie itself.
The Wiyos
The WiyosRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: March 2009
Rating: 10
Dubbing their output as “vaudevillian ragtime-jugband-blues and hillbilly swing,” this acoustic trio tells tales from an age gone by. Their lo-fi but not low energy music is comprised of the sounds from a washboard, harmonica, kazoo, archtop/resonator guitar/banjo-ukulele, an upright bass and three vocal for a full spectrum support. Kick ass!
