Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Mekong Delta - Intersections
Mekong DeltaIntersections
Label: Steamhammer/SPV
How do you create a technical thrash metal band for 2012? Start in the mid 1980s! Founded in the 80s by producer and bass player Ralf Hubert and surviving decades of band changes and turmoil, this release gives new life to a variety of their acclaimed classics utilizing the technology and band lineup of today, while enabling the band to get out and tour the world again.
• Mekong Delta Website • Mekong Delta FacebookNahko and Medicine for the People - Hoka
Nahko and Medicine for the PeopleHoka
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 Website • Nahko and Medicine for the People Facebook • Nahko and Medicine for the People WikiDutty Moonshine Band - Most Wanted
Dutty Moonshine BandMost 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 Website • Dutty Moonshine Band FacebookMass Relay - Star Born
Mass RelayStar Born
Label: Daly City Records
Futuristic electronic soundscapes snap and sparkle with funky punches, glitch hop gurgles and bubbling rhythms when this duo flexes their festival ready improvisational IDM skills on this 7 track release. Protruding soni-scapes are fed compelling guitar lines and thick beats that in turn shiver the rhythms with funky blues and rockin interlludes.
• Mass Relay WebsiteModerator - Sinner’s Syndrome
ModeratorSinner’s Syndrome
Label: Melting Records
Clever storytelling samples that unhinge deeper philosophical ideas and questions, haunting musical diasporas, and psyched out retro waves are a few of the many noteworthy aspects of this excellent release from Athens, Greece producer, Moderator. Propelled as well by twangy rockabilly, spaghetti western bumps and smokey blues played over often downtempo beats, there are so many aspects and angles to be found here that it is hard to encapsulate them all.
• Moderator Website • Moderator FacebookMITIS - ‘Till The End
MITIS‘Till The End
Label: Seeking Blue Records
After MitiS’ hard drive crashed without a backup 6 months or so ago, he was forced to redo most of what would become “Till The End. Rather than be defeated, this catalyst gave him the drive and desire to create one of the most amazing EDM releases of the year to date! His resulting approach has lots of attention to details woven into a timeless tapestry of melodic electronica. Additionally, he ups that anti by adding vocalists Gioto, Adara, Tedy, Lauren Hunter, PartyNails, and PRXZM to his mixes. Bravo!
• MITIS Website • MITIS Facebook • MITIS WikiThe Glitch Mob - See Without Eyes
The Glitch MobSee Without Eyes
Label: Glass Air
This Los Angeles trio of artists, Boreta, edIT, and Ooah have produced seminal elements of the electronic sonic experience since their beginnings in 2006. It has been 4 years since their last acclaimed release (their 2nd LP, Love Death Immortality, debuted #13 on Billboard 200 album chart and No. 1 on iTunes electronic chart). Driven now by their own label, Glass Air, their sound remains recognizable, but with a fair amount of experimental elements among their signature punctual electro synths and swollen bass lines. Showing off several great collaborators, including REZZ, Illenium, and Tula, the release has many facets to explore. I am excited to see them at The Sylvee in Madison, WI on 10/10!
• The Glitch Mob Website • The Glitch Mob Facebook • The Glitch Mob Wiki
Melvins - Pinkus Abortion Technician
MelvinsPinkus Abortion Technician
Label: Ipecac Records
Formed in Aberdeen/Montesano, WA in 1983, the Melvins have been spewing weirdo wisdom and sludgy psychedelic shenanigans ever since. Featuring both Steven McDonald (Redd Kross, OFF!) and Butthole Surfers’, Jeff Pinkus on bass this time around brings new elements to the surface. Pinkus Abortion Technician is a solid foray into the twisted minds and rhythms of this ongoing phenomena. Come see the King Buzzo crew with me on 7/30 at High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI. (8) www.themelvins.net
• Melvins Website • Melvins Facebook • Melvins WikiBeanpole - All My Kin
BeanpoleAll My Kin
Label: Chimera Music
As the story goes, this release was penned many years ago by an artist known as Beanpole, but it wasn’t until Sean Lennon heard these erstwhile commercially non-viable concoctions that the songs got green lighted for release. This is a sad carnival of extremely warped, bizarre and outlandish melodies, which include lyrics about food, farming, and mutants. All My Kin, features recordings from between 1984 through the late Nineties (and in reality features Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde, but were birthed by Derek Greenberg and Adam Gates).
• Beanpole Website • Beanpole FacebookMichal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics - From The Sea
Michal Menert & the Pretty FantasticsFrom The Sea
Label: Super Best Records
Featuring a DJ, an MC, and a violinist in addition to Menert’s wide ranging electronic musical influences, this 7 piece band flavors their compositions with tasty measures of jazz, jam, R&B and hip hop. Additionally, Menert for the first time shares lead vocal duties with Jules Thoma to create a warm and dreamy element to this release. Surprisingly seductive and soulful selections overall.
• Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics Website • Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics Facebook • Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics WikiSoleance - Tribute To Galt MacDermot
SoleanceTribute To Galt MacDermot
Label: First Word Records
Grammy Award Winner Galt MacDermot died on Dec 17, 2018, but his music will live forever! Best known for his work on the musical Hair, he produced several #1 hits in the late 60s and has been sampled by numerous groups and producers over the years.. This tribute by the French group Soleance samples choice snippets and turns them into quite on point, catchy, funky, jazzy electronic infused compositions.
• Soleance Website • Soleance FacebookMindex - Sleep Deprivation
MindexSleep Deprivation
Label: Night Owl Collective
Russian born all original electronic composer, Mindex, touts a terrific topography composed of modern synthesizers and effects morphed into lush layers of melodic patterns and textures. While his other works are more upbeat and punchy, this release really takes the sleep deprivation aspect to heart and is dreamy, ambient and other worldly. He will be fully awake though on 4/26 (with Milwaukee’s own Deerskin) at Ruby Madison in Madison, WI. (8) www.mindex-music.com
• Mindex Website • Mindex FacebookView More
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