Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Year 2008
Kraak & Smaak - Plastic People

Kraak & Smaak - Plastic People

Kraak & Smaak
Plastic People
Label: Ultra Records

This club friendly concoction conjoins disparate musical rhythms and beats into highly contagious cohesive danceable rhythms. Quite a clever musical aptitude. The spaced out and mystical cover of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is worth reverence alone!

Kraak & Smaak WebsiteKraak & Smaak Wiki

Lotus - Hammerstrike

Lotus - Hammerstrike

Lotus
Hammerstrike
Label: SCI Records

Offering fresh, funky, technodellic indie jams that have to date been almost totally non vocal. This time there are several tracks with vocal flaunts to broaden their horizons and stellar trajectories. Upward and onward.

Lotus WebsiteLotus Wiki

Natty Nation - Reincarnation

Natty Nation - Reincarnation

Natty Nation
Reincarnation
Label: iNatty Records

Madison reggae legends blast the Midwest with more of their infectiously buoyant rhythms and hip hoppin’ hybrid temptations. Lyrically mixing Jah philosophy with various related paths of mysticism allows for new spiritual perspectives for which their music may glide on.

Natty Nation WebsiteNatty Nation Wiki

Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack) - Repo! The Genetic Opera

Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack) - Repo! The Genetic Opera

Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack)
Repo! The Genetic Opera
Label: Lionsgate

The plotline may revolve around repossessing body organs in a not too distant future, but with an amazing all-star lineup including Sarah Brightman, Ogre, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino and Clown from Slipknot in leading rolls, this musical squeals of greatness and immediate cult status.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack) Website

Pert Near Sandstone - Needle & Thread

Pert Near Sandstone - Needle & Thread

Pert Near Sandstone
Needle & Thread
Label: Self Released

A string contorting bluegrass band emanating from the Twin Cities. Upholding the American string-band tradition while upshifting expansive amounts of enthusiasm into a rousting reverie and full tilt expression.

Pert Near Sandstone WebsitePert Near Sandstone Wiki

 - Theories of Tension

- Theories of Tension


Theories of Tension
Label: Self Released

A many faceted award winning Madison based metal outfit that throws down some prog rock, math rock and extreme jazz compositions in an aspiring manner. Somehow the recording is loose/rough/thin in a few areas which diminishes the exuberant talent contained here.

Website

Showdown - Back Breaker

Showdown - Back Breaker

Showdown
Back Breaker
Label: Solid State Records

The 3rd time is the charm for this thrash/power/death metal group; their best yet! Utilizing powerful Greek myths as the lyrical basis for the songs provides an interesting and powerful tapestry of material to tap into. Good grooves and aural diversity.

The Showdown Wiki

Trin-Tran - Grows A Rose

Trin-Tran - Grows A Rose

Trin-Tran
Grows A Rose
Label: Animalman Records

Hyper maniacal one man band and visual spectacle. Very quirky keyboard riffs are spanked by punchy drums and nonsensical lyrics. Not for the faint of heart or the musical purist.


Uriah Heep - Wake The Sleeper

Uriah Heep - Wake The Sleeper

Uriah Heep
Wake The Sleeper
Label: Sanctuary Records

Updating but not abandoning their classic 80s synth rock approach, this release shows the band as strong and musically alluring as ever.

Uriah Heep WebsiteUriah Heep Wiki

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica
Worlds Collide
Label: 20 20/ Jive Records

Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.

Apocalyptica WebsiteApocalyptica Wiki

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers
What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records

The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.

The Asylum Street Spankers WebsiteThe Asylum Street Spankers Wiki

Electric Six - Flashy

Electric Six - Flashy

Electric Six
Flashy
Label: Metropolis Records

Elaborating on their past success as bratty retro rock rebels. This time the songs manage to evoke a smoky club filled with crazy kinksters where certain selections come off fresher or staler than others. A mixed bag here.

Electric Six WebsiteElectric Six Wiki

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