Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Year 2017
Savant - Jester

Savant - Jester

Savant
Jester
Label: Vybz

SAVANT
Jester
(Vybz)

Surprise! To date, Savant (aka Aleksander Vinter of Norway) has composed/produced over 10,000 songs in various genres (most notably metal, orchestral/classical, hip-hop and electronic music) and under several aliases, with many topping charts near and far. Jester hops through genres and styles like a kid in a candy store, spending a moment on one, before being attracted to another and then another. With such a cornacopia of sounds, styles and samples to choose from, every moment of every song ushers forth a new succulent musical morsel for your ears to nibble on.

Savant WebsiteSavant FacebookSavant Wiki

Random Rab - Formless Edge

Random Rab - Formless Edge

Random Rab
Formless Edge
Label: Random Rab

Smooth and flowing, mostly instrumental, electronic compositions, free from drops and jagged edges as well as the convulsions of pop music. Abstract organic sounds are painted across a haunting and experimental landscape wound with analog frequencies and fidelity, resolved to an uncommon yet transformational vantage point.

Random Rab WebsiteRandom Rab Facebook

Bei Bei & Shawn Lee - Year of the Funky

Bei Bei & Shawn Lee - Year of the Funky

Bei Bei & Shawn Lee
Year of the Funky
Label: Légère Recordings

Matching Chinese guzheng (zither) virtuoso/composer Bei Bei with the prolific multi-instrumentalist/producer Shawn Lee
(of Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra) is nothing short of magical and brilliant. This is their second combo release of genre bending, classically spun ancient musical mysteries hung amid studio magic and guitar landscapes. Mysterious emanations abound and are appreciated.

Bei Bei & Shawn Lee Facebook

Zymosis - Insight

Zymosis - Insight

Zymosis
Insight
Label: Sentimony Records

Consciousness expanding psychedelic electronica woven with downtempo and trance, that wanders into a lot of heady territories. This Ukranian based project headed by Dimitro and Gree Shanti are prolific in their field and appear on a number of international compilations and releases and now the entrancing and invigorating “Insight” is sure to capture even more recognition.

Zymosis WebsiteZymosis Facebook

Electric Swing Circus - It Flew By

Electric Swing Circus - It Flew By

Electric Swing Circus
It Flew By
Label: Ragtime Records

Ready for some sauntering 20’s swing songs wound up with gypsy-jazz guitar, electric double bass, and vibrant electro beats? The Birmingham based Electric Swing Circus is a 6-piece fusion of just this, combining contemporary with classic, while delighting UK festivals for years now. Fronted by a female double-act, they finesse and finagle 1920’s swing sensations with jazz, soul, rock, funk, disco and a lot of attitude. So much fun!

Electric Swing Circus WebsiteElectric Swing Circus FacebookElectric Swing Circus Wiki

Switchkraft - Jandom Lobe

Switchkraft - Jandom Lobe

Switchkraft
Jandom Lobe
Label: Adapted Records

Dealing out their very own experimental bone wobbling bassed beats (called Switch Hop), this duo from the Gold Coast of Australia caught my attention immediately. Irreverent song structure approaches are infiltrated by glitched out samples and zany rhythmic combinations that provide ample pondering and pulsing which coincide with body motivating rhythms under a quirky back drop.

Switchkraft WebsiteSwitchkraft Facebook

Flogging Molly - Life is Good

Flogging Molly - Life is Good

Flogging Molly
Life is Good
Label: Concord Vanguard

Contemporary high octane Celtic folk music is what Flogging Molly is all about and this release pushes their catalog to new heights, showing off even more facets of their musical diversity. In their 20th year of kicking jigs and punk anthems, they have toured the world over and captured the hearts of millions. Life is Good showcases both the fast and furious as well as the sincere and sedate aspects of the band.

Appearing on 10/27 at the Orpheum Theater in Madison

Flogging Molly WebsiteFlogging Molly Wiki

Zoogma - A Future in Blue

Zoogma - A Future in Blue

Zoogma
A Future in Blue
Label: Zoogma

WTF is Zoogma? Some would point out that it is a five piece group from Oxford, MS that delights in a genre crush of rock, jazz, world, and hip-hop fused into compelling electronica which produce ever evolving beat-driven dance parties. Others note that this creative concoction also combines live improvisation into their carefully crafted beats and rhythmic vistas. Or you could just call Zoogma awesome and inspiring. The choice is yours!

Zoogma Website

Dutty Moonshine Band - Most Wanted

Dutty Moonshine Band - Most Wanted

Dutty Moonshine Band
Most Wanted
Label: Rocstar Recordings

The electro swing genre keeps heating up and this debut album from Dutty Moonshine Band certainly fuels the fire! Capturing the swing era sound, then embellishing with skits and surprises before blasting it back to our future infused with hip hop, ghetto funk and filthy bass makes for a delicious slurp of manic musical entertainment.  This 14 piece big band from Bristol, UK brings zany amounts of energy and creativity to the stage when they headline festivals around the world. Look for them!

Dutty Moonshine Band WebsiteDutty Moonshine Band Facebook

Dirty Heads - Swim Team

Dirty Heads - Swim Team

Dirty Heads
Swim Team
Label: Seven Five Records

Dirty Heads’ 6th album covers all the bases. Encompassing elements of reggae, hip hop, dubstep, pop, world and alternative while utilizing everything from bongos and banjos to classical piano and synthesizers, these 12 tracks play and experiment with the bands fame at every turn, both lyrically and metaphorically. Benefiting from a bevy of collaborators (Jonas Jeberg, Rome, Blueprint, Oren Yoel, HEAVY and The Score) this release is bound to make it’s mark thanks to experimental approaches and invigorating production.

Appearing live on 11/18 at Orpheum Theater in Madison, WI with The Unlikely Candidates and Tyrone’s Jacket.

Dirty Heads WebsiteDirty Heads FacebookDirty Heads Wiki

Evanescence - Synthesis

Evanescence - Synthesis

Evanescence
Synthesis
Label: BMG

Focusing on orchestra and electronica, Synthesis revamps and recomposes the groups top hits, plus 2 new songs, into a full symphonic experience. The amazing Amy Lee is the conductor and focal point of this touring extravaganza, playing piano and singing her heart and soul into this highly acclaimed and award winning music. A grandiose occurrence!
Appearing on 12/5 at Orpheum Theater in Madison, WI.

Evanescence WebsiteEvanescence FacebookEvanescence Wiki

Cosmoganic - Harness The Soup

Cosmoganic - Harness The Soup

Cosmoganic
Harness The Soup
Label: Swamp Music

Electronic music can flow in many directions, with some composers creating hybrids of earthy organics with spacey synthetics. Cosmoganic (aka Ollie Jackson) has formulated a delicious audio meal of squishy, creamy psydub atmospheres blessed with wandering whomps and happy harmonies spiced with tribal tendencies. Consider it an 8 course feast of musical treats for your ears to eat!

Cosmoganic WebsiteCosmoganic Facebook

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