Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Year 2016
Nahko and Medicine for the People - Hoka

Nahko and Medicine for the People - Hoka

Nahko and Medicine for the People
Hoka
Label: SideOneDummy Records

Destined to be the soundtrack of my summer, this landmark 19 track musical journey wrangles numerous genres and approaches to produce a stunning selection of anthems, ballads, raps, and invocations, that are highlighted with deep emotions, intense trauma, extreme sensitivity, Native American chants, and “radical” heartfelt ideals that Nahko and crew have forged into one of the strongest releases in recent memory. By adding trumpet and violin to the lineup, MFTP have jumped to a new level of attainability and tonal dynamics.

Nahko and Medicine for the People WebsiteNahko and Medicine for the People FacebookNahko and Medicine for the People Wiki

Skydyed - A Quantum Dream

Skydyed - A Quantum Dream

Skydyed
A Quantum Dream
Label: Skydyed Music

This vibrant Colorado trio draws on rock, funk, and jazz roots to create a diverse and dynamic sound that weaves together organic live drums, bass and guitar with cutting edge electronic production. Delectably dancey and festival friendly this release brings an upwardly element to their play and interplay.

Skydyed WebsiteSkydyed Facebook

Bones Jugs - Don’t Waste A Drop

Bones Jugs - Don’t Waste A Drop

Bones Jugs
Don’t Waste A Drop
Label: Bones Jugs

BONES JUGS
Don’t Waste a Drop
(Bones Jugs)
I didn’t know this was an option! Is this Looney Tunes on acid or a 21st century jug band? Horns, honkers, kazoos, banjos, and incredible xylophone are paired with stand up bass, fiddle, guitar, and drums to create an awesome, quirky and unsuspectingly unique combination of dixieland, jugband, ragtime and farcical imagination.

Bones Jugs WebsiteBones Jugs Facebook

Big Gigantic - Brighter Future

Big Gigantic - Brighter Future

Big Gigantic
Brighter Future
Label: Big Gigantic

Fantastic funky grooves and ass kicking saxophone bolstered electronica are trademarks of this Denver based superstar duo and this is no exception. This time though, they bring aboard a number of mostly vocal contributors to create a more sophisticated and multifaceted approach to their overall sound, while still managing to bring the party.

Big Gigantic WebsiteBig Gigantic FacebookBig Gigantic Wiki

Bones Jugs - Don’t Waste A Drop

Bones Jugs - Don’t Waste A Drop

Bones Jugs
Don’t Waste A Drop
Label: Bones Jugs

I didn’t know this was an option! Is this Looney Tunes on acid or a 21st century jug band? Horns, honkers, kazoos, banjos, and incredible xylophone are paired with stand up bass, fiddle, guitar, and drums to create an awesome, quirky and unsuspectingly unique combination of dixieland, jugband, ragtime and farcical imagination.

Bones Jugs WebsiteBones Jugs Facebook

Thriftworks - Red Jaguar

Thriftworks - Red Jaguar

Thriftworks
Red Jaguar
Label: Thriftworks Music

Delicate intricacies and darkened glitches carry the listener through a bleak yet bustling aural fantasy of experimental electronica. Haunting melodies contort into glistening rhythms and distorted associations adjust into a sinister ambiance before launching into an unforeseen eruption of snitter traps and rapscallion ruckuses.

Thriftworks WebsiteThriftworks FacebookThriftworks Wiki

STS9 - The Universe Inside

STS9 - The Universe Inside

STS9
The Universe Inside
Label: 1320 Records

Contrary to their prior instrumental offerings, this space exploration themed release is rife with vocal samples. It also offers up the first recordings with fabulous new bassist Alana Rocklin. While their signature sonic fusion of electronica, jam based explorations, and expert improvisations are still intact, their own exploration of inner and outer space has flavored some of the tracks with a delightful flourish of 21st century disco-tronica and many other tiny nuances. Catch their tour orbit across the US on 10/21 when they touch down at the Orpheum Theater in Madison.

STS9 WebsiteSTS9 FacebookSTS9 Wiki

Griz - Good Will Prevail

Griz - Good Will Prevail

Griz
Good Will Prevail
Label: All Good Records

I hope you were expecting another bombastic trend setting release of saxophone driven electro funk from GRIZ, cause that’s what he’s spun up for you! Blasting bass and digital wizardry are cornerstones of his 13 track fourth LP, along with a smart smattering of great contributors. Be the love, share the love, and good WILL prevail!

Griz WebsiteGriz FacebookGriz Wiki

DubFX - Thinking Clear

DubFX - Thinking Clear

DubFX
Thinking Clear
Label: Convoy Unltd

Melbourne born street performer, beat boxer and looping artist extraordinaire Dub FX (aka Ben Stanford) gives us a potent and powerful dose of his unique artistry with Thinking Clear, which shows off his soulful lyrical exploration of social, political and spiritual subjects while injecting the additional live instrumentation of a bass player, pianist, percussionist and a 3 piece horn section to his groovy vibes. Recorded in his own Treetop Studios and offered on his Convoy Unltd label, this release builds on his grassroots busking success that propelled him into selling over 200,000 records and receiving 100 million and counting YouTube views after performing in 40 different countries and at numerous festivals. Bravo!

DubFX WebsiteDubFX FacebookDubFX Wiki

Hedflux - Soul Science

Hedflux - Soul Science

Hedflux
Soul Science
Label: Luminus Music

Although quantum physicists don’t usually drop out of their field to pursue their dream of becoming an award winning world renowned psychedelic DJ/producer, that’s the path that sound psyentis Headflux (aka Steve Young) has taken. Being immersed in electronic music for more that 2 decades has allowed him create this splendidly flowing 8 track offering, with each selection hovering in the 7 minute range and covering a wide range of territory, from liquid ambiance to contemplative tech-funk to mind probing psytrance.

Hedflux WebsiteHedflux Facebook

John Brown's Body - Fireflies

John Brown's Body - Fireflies

John Brown's Body
Fireflies
Label: Easy Star

As the popularity of reggae continues to rise, we find JBB leading the pack, with Fireflies debuting at #1 on the Billboard Reggae charts. Their 11th studio album is filled with hook-heavy rootsy reggae offset by melodic soundscapes and constant sizzling selections from their horn section. The Ithaca, NY based dub rockers are in top form and ready to take their charge to the highest heights.

John Brown's Body WebsiteJohn Brown's Body FacebookJohn Brown's Body Wiki

Helmet - Dead To The World

Helmet - Dead To The World

Helmet
Dead To The World
Label: earMusic

Helmet’s 8th studio album and their first in 7 years finds scene influencing band leader Page Hamilton and crew delivering fuzzy warm hypnotic riffs through a surprising variety of styles and approaches, while still managing to weave in signature counter-intuitive rhythmic approaches and combinations. Some of these experiments work better than others, but overall manage to deliver a solid release. How does this play out live? Find out on 12/15 at High Noon Saloon in Madison when they appear with openers Local H.

Helmet WebsiteHelmet FacebookHelmet Wiki

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