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 WikiPlanewalker - 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 FacebookSpirit 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 FacebookOpiuo - SYZYGY 01
OpiuoSYZYGY 01
Label: Slurp Music
This 5 song EP has reinvigorated my love for the New Zealand born DJ, Opiuo! Offering a varied selection of his award winning electro funk styles and swampy bass beat approaches, it serves as a great launch for his summer US tour, specifically his appearance on 4/21 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado which will feature an exclusive live performance with a 20-piece orchestral set, the Syzygy Orchestra.
• Opiuo Website • Opiuo 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 FacebookJoe Ford - Colours in Sound
Joe FordColours in Sound
Label: Shogun Audio
Invigorating glitch hop electronica spiced with vocal segments and compelling beats are what Colours in Sound is all about. Not afraid to drop the beat and keep the show going, this release spans a wide spectrum of styles, while maintaining a very active drum n bass base. Friendly to the ears as well as the dance floor!
• Joe Ford Website • Joe Ford 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 FacebookMelvins - Pinkus Abortion Technician
MelvinsPinkus Abortion Technician
Label: Ipecac Records
Formed in Aberdeen/Montesano, WA in 1983, the Melvins have been spewing weirdo wisdom and sludgy psychedelic shenanigans ever since. Featuring both Steven McDonald (Redd Kross, OFF!) and Butthole Surfers’, Jeff Pinkus on bass this time around brings new elements to the surface. Pinkus Abortion Technician is a solid foray into the twisted minds and rhythms of this ongoing phenomena. Come see the King Buzzo crew with me on 7/30 at High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI. (8) www.themelvins.net
• Melvins Website • Melvins Facebook • Melvins WikiGlobular - Entangled Everything
GlobularEntangled Everything
Label: Entangled Records
Strap on your psychedelic space suit and get ready for a ride! This successfully Kickstarted release shows off Globular’s increasing adeptness at producing flows of swirling, whirling, smooth, high flying electronica. New burbles and bubbles are born and freed through every mind expanding track on Entangled Everything.
• Globular Website • Globular FacebookThe Sword - Used Future
The SwordUsed Future
Label: Razor & Tie
What began as groovy galloping guitar driven stoner rock has taken nods towards classic heavy rock and added bluesy brambles to their vintage mileage as this Austin, TX band rides across endless highways headed towards often psychedelic horizons with a used future destination.
• The The Sword Website • The The Sword FacebookLiving Light - The Great Attractor
Living LightThe Great Attractor
Label: Desert Trax
After perfecting her keyboarding craft in the pioneering live electronic hybrid Psylab, Eartha Harris created the Living Light project in 2012. Several years and releases later, in between playing at festivals around the world plus teaching nutritional workshops and yoga classes, she brings us The Great Attractor, a delightfully dreamy psydub offering that bounces global beats amid multitudinous layers of consciousness infiltrating psychedelia and soothing succulent star struck melodies.
• Living Light Website • Living Light 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 FacebookView More
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