Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Skydyed - A Quantum Dream
SkydyedA 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 Website • Skydyed FacebookSTS9 - The Universe Inside
STS9The 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 Website • STS9 Facebook • STS9 WikiDubFX - Thinking Clear
DubFXThinking 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 Website • DubFX Facebook • DubFX WikiSunsquabi - Deluxe Ep
SunsquabiDeluxe Ep
Label: All Good Records
A Colorado trio that caught my attention with their debut album last year on GRIZ’s All Good Record label. This critically acclaimed follow up EP throws down some serious future funk beats mixed with gigantic jammy rhythmic retention. Certain to take you to your happy place and make you want more! Catch em at Shangri La Festival Sept 8-10 at Harmony Park in Minnesota.
• Sunsquabi Website • Sunsquabi FacebookSavant - Jester
SavantJester
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 Website • Savant Facebook • Savant WikiElectric Swing Circus - It Flew By
Electric Swing CircusIt 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 Website • Electric Swing Circus Facebook • Electric Swing Circus WikiSwitchkraft - Jandom Lobe
SwitchkraftJandom 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 Website • Switchkraft FacebookEvanescence - Synthesis
EvanescenceSynthesis
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.
Shpongle - Codex VI
ShpongleCodex VI
Label: Twisted Records Ltd
Complex, layered and highly anticipated, this, their sixth full length release, is recognizable Shpongle at every musical turn and twist. Codex VI offers a wider range of styles and natures while exploring a more dramatic range of influences and output. That being said, great as it is, for me overall it didn’t reach the levels of mystical musical ecstasy offered by their prior releases.
• Shpongle Website • Shpongle Facebook • Shpongle WikiMass 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 WebsiteSpirit Travelers - Origin
Spirit TravelersOrigin
Label: Altar Records
Combining the ancient wisdom of Hindu Gods into psychedelic music isn’t just for anyone, but in the capable hands of world traveled musical veterans Eric Mandala and Joseph A. Ruel it becomes a treat for the ears. Utilizing ethnic instrumentation to bolster digital rhythms and chill-step approaches this duo from Canada tops their delicacies with sacred chants, mantras and tribal pulsations.
• Spirit Travelers Website • Spirit Travelers FacebookArt Paul Schlosser and Friends - Duet Right
Art Paul Schlosser and FriendsDuet Right
Label: Art Paul Schlosser
What could be better than a new Art Paul Schlosser record? An Art Paul record with 26 songs harnessing more than that many of his friends! Recorded in various studios at various times, with wildly varying degrees of production, this long time Madison musician, often seen playing on street corners with his acoustic guitar and kazoo, shows off many of his tried and true “hits” here including Cookie, Bubbles, Purple Bananas on the Moon, Pink Pants and I Want To Hold Your Toe. Always eclectic, off the wall and never boring!
• Art Paul Schlosser and Friends Website • Art Paul Schlosser and Friends Facebook • Art Paul Schlosser and Friends WikiView More
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