Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
A Tortured Soul - Kiss of the Thorn
A Tortured SoulKiss of the Thorn
Label: Eyes Like Snow/Northern Silence Records
Operatic and progressive old-school gothic metal (ala Priest, King Diamond, Shadow’s Fall) from Milwaukee but signed to a German Label. Shadowy doom protruding from a festering pool of abstract progressions.
• A Tortured Soul WebsiteBeefus - Manpanzee
BeefusManpanzee
Label: Self Released
This Madison based hurdy-gurdy of frenzied bass and electric banjo funkified rock have evolved to produce clever, witty lyrics with a platitude of poignant samples. Favorable vocal and rhythmic comparisons to Primus are unavoidable.
• Beefus WebsiteBone Shaker - Bang… You’re Dead
Bone ShakerBang… You’re Dead
Label: Turkey Vulture Records
Rippin’, thrashin’ rough and raw metal from Waukesha, WI. This seasoned trio has invigorating their sound with coarse vocals and spunky rhythms to make for a neck-wrecking experience.
• Bone Shaker WebsitePeter Mathews - Far From Haggersville
Peter MathewsFar From Haggersville
Label: Trinema Meia
Award-winning, Madison-based film maker and musician brings us a soundtrack-type music and film CD with a real life puzzle to solve with actual gold coins as the potential payoff. Very intriguing concept!
• Peter Mathews WebsiteUnderculture - Underculture
UndercultureUnderculture
Label: Undercultured Records
From the crusty garage rock ‘n’ roll underbelly of Madison comes this punk-a-billy trio. They flippantly flaunt their scruffy, old-age flourishes while resting on pumped up beats and mental quagmires.
Vulgar Pang - The Memoirs of Don Juan Gacy
Vulgar PangThe Memoirs of Don Juan Gacy
Label: Rock Garden
Appleton hosts this powerful and intense metal force. Whether pleading, crooning or powering out, the raspy clean vocals lead the way for a display of amazing musical diversity and depth.
• Vulgar Pang WebsiteGomers - Mike Zirkel
GomersMike Zirkel
Label: Beeftone
Beloved hometown Madison quirk-nauts spew forth a beguiling array of witty song spins. From utilizing every town in Wisconsin as lyrical fodder to showcasing such guest musicians as Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp, they delight and frolic in the asinine as well as the sublime.
• The Gomers Website • The Gomers WikiStealin Strings - Waves
Stealin StringsWaves
Label: Hot Dog Records
With a new bassist under their belt, these rising rockin’ bluegrass pompadours are once again making their way through the festival circuit this summer. They were the only band I noticed at Bella Sol that was given the opportunity due to their versatility, depth of sound and song content to play a set on the main stage plus an acoustic set on the tent stage.
• Stealin Strings Website8889 - Zoology
8889Zoology
Label: Self Released
Singer/songwriter styled alt/indie rock from Madison. This follow-up to their MAMA winning debut album finds a well-defined, well-thought through chunk of moody alt music. For my ear candy I prefer a bit more intensity and cleverness.
• 8889 Website- Drown Out The Daylights
Drown Out The Daylights
Label: Crustacean Records
Highlighting the cream of their musical crop, Crustacean Records (Wisconsin’s most prolific and longest lasting punk/indie label) provides us with a double DVD visual vanguard for 10 of their most amazing performers. Over 2 ½ hours long with tons of extras.
• WebsiteCyberchump - Our Wizards Of Earth
CyberchumpOur Wizards Of Earth
Label: Internal Combustion
Two extremely equipped psychedelic musicians from Milwaukee utilize their gaggle of instruments to produce a fascinating albeit quirky electronic soundscape repertoire with rooms and areas to float, groove, slide. A vibrant undercurrent of leading and teasing sound strings tie the listener to the musical affirmations driving the concepts.
• Cyberchump Website • Cyberchump WikiJudgehydrogen - Cult of Blood
JudgehydrogenCult of Blood
Label: Rising Oculus Records
Hair raising atmospheres gurgling with virulent doom struck metal. This macabre one man project, bred in Middleton, WI, produces primal disturbances in the creep-a-dellic frequency spectrum while profanely exercising a deep gothic vocal pleasure. Seriously dark.
• Judgehydrogen WebsiteView More
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