Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Beefus - The Itching Below
BeefusThe Itching Below
Label: Ys Records
Madison’s musical mad scientists are back with more fractured, nonlinear globular grooves fitted with fantastic farcical lyrics and warbled vocals. Disturbed, depraved, and outrageous musical experiments of the most uncouth kind. And at all times, watch out for that itch..
• Beefus Website • Beefus FacebookJello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine - White People and the Damage Done
Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of MedicineWhite People and the Damage Done
Label: Alternative Tentacles
Seeing Iggy Pop perform with the Stooges for his 60th birthday inspired the legendary Jello Biafra to start a new band, and hence, this project was born. Overall, it sounds a LOT like Dead Kennedys, more so than any of his other side projects, but still offers a few surprises. Acerbic wit, trademark caterwauling vocals, raucous riffage and provocative topics are yours for the taking.
• Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine Facebook • Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine WikiASG - Blood Drive
ASGBlood Drive
Label: Relapse
Somewhere between the vocality and alt pop of Jane’s Addiction and the infectious sludge metal of Baroness is where ASG (Amplification of Self Gratification) find their strongest footings. This mega-riffing North Carolina crew knows how to pour on the body-waving grooves and mate them with melodic vocals to scorch your lobes.
• ASG Facebook • ASG WikiValient Thorr - Our Own Masters
Valient ThorrOur Own Masters
Label: Volcom Entertainment
Balls-to-the-wall slip sliding stoner sludge metal from North Carolina has never sounded so good! Pulsing and pounding riffs and rhythms spiral and surge, blistering with unvarnished intensity and brilliance. Grab hold!
• Valient Thorr Website • Valient Thorr Facebook • Valient Thorr WikiMire - Inward/Outward
MireInward/Outward
Label: self-published
Touted as being the heir apparent to the long vacant TOOL throne of progressive rock, Montreal’s Mire provide a convincing display of aptitude, depth and prowess, while sounding a LOT like TOOL. These complex compositions with delicate dynamics captured my attention from first listen and continue to provide satisfaction as more layers unfold.
• Mire Website • Mire FacebookBeat Fatigue - Malfunktionality Part One
Beat FatigueMalfunktionality Part One
Label: Adapted Records
So many of my favorite things all rolled into one! Clever guitar jams are imbibed with funky bass lines and blues stamina while pushed out on the dance floor with groovy electronics. This Amsterdam based DJ, producer promises much more to come with Part 2!
• Beat Fatigue WebsiteLotus - Gilded Age
LotusGilded Age
Label: Lotus Vibes Music LLC
Continuing to explore and develop new and old facets of their musical awareness, long time favorites Lotus give us a release focused on the original organic instruments: drum, bass, guitar, piano and percussion. Combined with the fact they recorded it live to analog tape means the sound is very front and center for the listener. Guest vocalist Steve Yutzy-Burkey is featured on this first of three tracks on the album, which also gives the release a fulfillment of another kind. The Gilded Age proves once again that the ethereal ambiance that Lotus is known for will continue unabated.
• Lotus Website • Lotus Facebook • Lotus WikiDopapod - Never Odd or Even
DopapodNever Odd or Even
Label: self-published
Album number 4 finds our palindrome heroes tighter, broader, more defined, and roaring with exuberant new material. Strong jams and great breakdowns are the highlights that propel this swiftly flowing funky rock with electronic embellishments and melodic grooves to new frontiers and expectations.
• Dopapod Website • Dopapod 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 WikiHelmet - Dead To The World
HelmetDead 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 Website • Helmet Facebook • Helmet WikiDirty Heads - Swim Team
Dirty HeadsSwim 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 Website • Dirty Heads Facebook • Dirty Heads WikiEvanescence - 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.
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