Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Peter Mathews - Far From Haggersville
Peter MathewsFar From Haggersville
Label: Trinema Meia
Award-winning, Madison-based film maker and musician brings us a soundtrack-type music and film CD with a real life puzzle to solve with actual gold coins as the potential payoff. Very intriguing concept!
• Peter Mathews WebsiteGomers - Mike Zirkel
GomersMike Zirkel
Label: Beeftone
Beloved hometown Madison quirk-nauts spew forth a beguiling array of witty song spins. From utilizing every town in Wisconsin as lyrical fodder to showcasing such guest musicians as Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp, they delight and frolic in the asinine as well as the sublime.
• The Gomers Website • The Gomers WikiDevil's Slingshot - Clinophobia
Devil's SlingshotClinophobia
Label: Mascot Records
A breathtaking Super-Trio comprised of musical luminaries Tony MacAlpine, Billy Sheehan and Virgil Donail. As one would expect, they flex there impressive technical wizardry and musical prowess throughout this instrumental release with style, finesse and maturity.
- 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.
• WebsiteShowdown - Back Breaker
ShowdownBack 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 WikiCribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow
CribshitterCry A Little Rainbow
Label: Medicated G Records
Wow! 30 tracks of hilarious musical debauchery and mayhem. Madison brews them eclectic and this is right up there. Careening from poppy punk to country then retro electronica plus various other tangents du jour, all with a squinter of a rainbow in their eyes…
Blackmore's Night - Secret Voyage
Blackmore's NightSecret Voyage
Label: SPV
Literally touring the planet, these 6 enchanting renaissance type minstrels are highlighted by the famed Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow, etc). This, their 9th release, displays an impassioned range of traditional and contemporary melodies. The CD packaging defies the style of music it contains.
• Blackmore's Night Website • Blackmore's Night WikiMastodon - Crack The Skye
MastodonCrack The Skye
Label: Reprise Records
Storming the progressive rock and metal scene with a fervor, diversity and originality heralded by few others. Their groundbreaking musical vision continues here by adapting a slight whirling psychedelic tinge to their entrancing metal megalith.
• Mastodon Website • Mastodon WikiQueensryche - American Soldier
QueensrycheAmerican Soldier
Label: Rhino Records
Harsh and haunting perspectives of war are discussed, reviewed and examined in the somber gothic progressive metal style that they are known for. As thoughtful and powerful as this release is, I find the most memorable moments also being the most chilling and depressing.
• Queensryche Website • Queensryche WikiMile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Mile Marker ZeroMile Marker Zero
Label: Self Released
Spinning impressive progressive rock adventures is undeniably the calling for this Connecticut quintet. An eclectic epic soundstream is forged around the lyrics that enjoy the dichotomy of life’s many lessons while thriving on the energy of the experience.
• Mile Marker Zero WebsiteFall Of Troy - In The Unlikely Event
Fall Of TroyIn The Unlikely Event
Label: Equal Vision Records
An unpredictable subterfuge of punk, jazz, noise and progressive rock that has resulted in a surprisingly fresh and interesting offering. The emotional and edgy vocals are mixed only slightly with screemo. This highly charged trio from Mulkilteo, WA is ready to rocket to success.
• The Fall Of Troy Website • The Fall Of Troy WikiLeaves' Eyes - Njord
Leaves' EyesNjord
Label: Napalm Records
Regal and fully manifested gothic operatic metal. The ever entrancing Liv Kristine along with her brethren from the mighty band Atrocity has crafted another musical feast of myth and legend from the Norse land. Orchestrating a new level of fantasy and delight.
• Leaves' Eyes Website • Leaves' Eyes WikiView More
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