Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Hip Hop
Underworld Vs. The Misterons - Athens

Underworld Vs. The Misterons - Athens

Underworld Vs. The Misterons
Athens
Label: !K7 Records

A curious confusion of a compilation album with an experiment jazz mood crescendo. From Mahavishnu Orchestra to Roxy Music to Squarepusher, these trax range from danceable funk to trancing jazz and beyond. Underworld is back.

Underworld Vs. The Misterons Website

Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW

Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW

Fat Freddy's Drop
Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW
Label: Drop Records

Reggae ribbed rhythms from New Zealand sway with the cool breeze of tropical dances while skipping across numerous global music resonances and inspirations. Infectious ambient soultronica sunsets smoothly slip into hazy jazzy dub pop and future groove friendly hip hop.

Fat Freddy's Drop WebsiteFat Freddy's Drop Wiki

Rob Swift - The Architecht

Rob Swift - The Architecht

Rob Swift
The Architecht
Label: Ipecac Records

Quirky and jerky electronics incorporating elements flung far from most current norms. Divergently texturized by the two rapped vocal tracks; the rest of the release captures dynamics and mood from classical music samples to lead us on a unique electronic journey.

Rob Swift WebsiteRob Swift Wiki

Lokesh - Utopia

Lokesh - Utopia

Lokesh
Utopia
Label: Moonrise Records

A bright minded DJ born in New Delhi but residing in San Fransisco. If you are compelled to visit mystical realms of pleasantly enveloping world spanning ethno electronica, then this would be a fascinating and fantastic place to start.


Just A Band - 82

Just A Band - 82

Just A Band
82
Label: Akwaaba Music

Mellow moods shift in the glimmering of an emotion with embellishments of contemporary down tempo ethics. These 3 musicians from Kenya were all born in 1982, hence the name. Most songs were constructed and concocted within the influence of 80s synth pop while injected with ethnic grooves.

Just A Band WebsiteJust A Band FacebookJust A Band Wiki

Nickodemus - Moon People

Nickodemus - Moon People

Nickodemus
Moon People
Label: ESL Music

From hip hop to Afropop to jazzy funk to flamenco among a multitude of other influences, the Brooklyn based Nickodemus connects an endearing amalgamation of world beats, electronica and worthwhile innovation by utilizing and orchestrating his network of collaborators ranging from Puerto Rico to Beirut and beyond. A surprising complexity of approaches and fresh musical infusions.

Nickodemus WebsiteNickodemus Facebook

Analog Players Society - Hurricane Season in Brooklyn

Analog Players Society - Hurricane Season in Brooklyn

Analog Players Society
Hurricane Season in Brooklyn
Label: Studio Brooklyn

The percussionist, producer, and visionary known simply as Amon is the creative force behind this release, which utilizes top-notch studio musicians to bring ska, Afrobeat, hip hop and a few tangential classic covers together into a fun, funky groove rich experience. 

Analog Players Society WebsiteAnalog Players Society Facebook

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol. II

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol. II

Beats Antique
Contraption Vol. II
Label: Antique Records

I’m pretty smitten with this prolific (7 releases in 5 years!) group. Dreamy alluring Middle Eastern and Gypsy melodies are married to equally intriguing electronic infusions. Add in violin, belly dancing, live drums and special DJ Pizazz, and viola! Brilliance. 

Beats Antique WebsiteBeats Antique FacebookBeats Antique Wiki

Beat Fatigue - Malfunktionality Part One

Beat Fatigue - Malfunktionality Part One

Beat Fatigue
Malfunktionality 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 Website

Fine Alarm Funk - Abandonearth

Fine Alarm Funk - Abandonearth

Fine Alarm Funk
Abandonearth
Label: CD Baby

Even though the album is themed as, “A DIABOLICAL journey to the center of the Earth and the subsequent DESTRUCTION of the planet!!!” you probably aren’t expecting what this 9 member heavy funk outfit from Vancouver has cooked up for you as they blast through a barrage of breakneck Balkan brass n punk infused musical roller coaster rides while vocally sounding like a gruffer Gogol Bordello. Surprising and refreshing!

Fine Alarm Funk WebsiteFine Alarm Funk Facebook

Blockhead - Bells and Whistles

Blockhead - Bells and Whistles

Blockhead
Bells and Whistles
Label: Ninja Tune

Snatching snippets across time and genre, Blockhead provides a fine blend of vintage ambiance crossed with contemporary electronica. Surges of warped melodies find home amid the morphed mantras, jazzy infections and serene soundscapes.

Blockhead WebsiteBlockhead FacebookBlockhead Wiki

Wookiefoot - You’re It

Wookiefoot - You’re It

Wookiefoot
You’re It
Label: Wookiefoot

These magical now age bards have just tagged you with a full spectrum barrage of musical medicine, hop scotching across genres with whimsy and delight. From reggae to bluegrass to jam to conscious hip hop to middle eastern melodies and the combination of all the above there is never a dull moment, especially when complimented by their ever uplifting, thought provoking and clever lyrics. I am excited to see these tribadellic warriors perform this landmark new material!

Wookiefoot WebsiteWookiefoot Facebook

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