Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
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 WebsitePlanewalker - Planes of Consciousness
PlanewalkerPlanes of Consciousness
Label: Street Ritual
Weaving mystical rhythms and sacred invocations into tribal electronica propels this journey of higher ‘Planes of Consciousness’. Displaying great production and a diverse eclectic otherworldly musical perspective complete with deep bass lines and an occasional mantra are what create the need for repeated plays.
• Planewalker Website • Planewalker FacebookHeilung - Lifa
HeilungLifa
Label: Season of Mist
Neofolk can take on many forms, but few are as decorated and enthralling as the spectacle that is Heilung. Lifa was recorded live at Castlefest 2017 and is the auditory compliment to the truly transformative performance given there. Throat singing, drumming, chanting and exquisite attire create a compelling Viking visage and platform for this music and group as they transport you through time and space with their bleak ritualistic ambiance and spiritual drone.
• Heilung Website • Heilung Facebook
Spirit 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 FacebookGrouch in Dub - Grouch in Dub
Grouch in DubGrouch in Dub
Label: Shanti Planti
Globe trotting New Zealand electronic producer Grouch (Oscar Allison) has tested and tried many styles and genres of music, but with Grouch in Dub he has really hit his stride. Harnessing a number of guest collaborators who inject everything from vocals, trumpet and clarinet to violin, sitar and bansuri to his psychedelic dub-tastic mixes, further accentuate his fluid approach, while also fulfilling his live performances. A sublime offering filled with style and pizzazz.
• Grouch in Dub Website • Grouch in Dub FacebookModerator - 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 FacebookGinkgoa - One Time
GinkgoaOne Time
Label: Self Released
What happens when invigorating electro swing gets infused with trap, house and future bass sounds? In such a space, a myriad of tempting time tried dance crazes fly together in an explosive experiment of sound and energy. This France-based duo further enhances the mix when vocalist and front-woman Nicolle Rochelle unleashes her talents. Irresistible! Appearing 7/14 & 7/15 at LaFete De Marquette. Appearing 7/14 & 7/15 at LaFete De Marquette.
• Ginkgoa Website • Ginkgoa FacebookBrownout - Fear of a Brown Planet
BrownoutFear of a Brown Planet
Label: Fat Beats Records
After two awesome retooled Black Sabbath themed releases, this 9-piece award winning Austin, TX offshoot of Grupo Fantasma, brings us a heavy Latin funk and soul tapestry of blazing grooves and horn filled rhythms in this play on Public Enemy’s 1990 hip-hop classic Fear of a Black Planet. Woot!
• Brownout Website • Brownout FacebookRed Baraat - Sound The People
Red BaraatSound The People
Label: Rhyme & Reason Records
Bhangra beat music has many avenues to choose from and the crazy twists and turns that this now 6-piece outfit infuses it with is undeniably spectacular. Their brassy global perspective and experimentation continues to push the musical boundaries of psychedelic, jazz, hip-hop as well as what can be accomplished on individual instruments. (9) Appearing with Tribu Aharu and Charanga Agoza’ on 8/16 at Central Park in Madison, WI.
• Red Baraat Website • Red Baraat FacebookNinjula - Bass ‘n Honey
NinjulaBass ‘n Honey
Label: Ragtime Records
Electro swing just keeps getting more exciting! From start to finish, these 6 explosive and super punchy tracks blast out zany breakbeats and wild groovey rhythms flavored full of vintage and big band era compensations with barely a moment to catch your breath. Get wound up in the hyper bass and glitch-hop your nights away to these edgy high octane tunes!
• Ninjula Website • Ninjula FacebookYaima - Antidote
YaimaAntidote
Label: Yaima
Blooming with a connection to nature and sparked by the fire of internal growth and transformation, this third release by Seattle based duo Masaru Higasa (Guitar, flutes, handpan) and Pepper Proud (guitar & vocals) constructs gentle soundscapes filled with stories about the Lightness of Being. An introspective journey filled with atmosphere and many perspectives of the grand whole will please and pacify your inner soul itch.
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