Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Progressive
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

Cribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow

Cribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow

Cribshitter
Cry 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 Night - Secret Voyage

Blackmore's Night
Secret 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 WebsiteBlackmore's Night Wiki

Mastodon - Crack The Skye

Mastodon - Crack The Skye

Mastodon
Crack 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 WebsiteMastodon Wiki

Queensryche - American Soldier

Queensryche - American Soldier

Queensryche
American 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 WebsiteQueensryche Wiki

Mile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero

Mile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero

Mile Marker Zero
Mile 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 Website

Fall Of Troy - In The Unlikely Event

Fall Of Troy - In The Unlikely Event

Fall Of Troy
In 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 WebsiteThe Fall Of Troy Wiki

Leaves' Eyes - Njord

Leaves' Eyes - Njord

Leaves' Eyes
Njord
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 WebsiteLeaves' Eyes Wiki

Alo - Man Of The World

Alo - Man Of The World

Alo
Man Of The World
Label: Brushfire Records/Universal

Sublimely mellow rock music tumbled with expertly crafted tale telling courtesy of 4 childhood friends. Since it was by Jack Johnson and recorded at his solar powered studio in Hawaii ALO scored the opening slot on Johnson’s summer tour including Alpine Valley 7/24 and River’s Edge 7/25 and I am thrilled more people will get to hear them.

Alo WebsiteAlo FacebookAlo Wiki

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

Wes Hamil - White Man Red Road

Wes Hamil - White Man Red Road

Wes Hamil
White Man Red Road
Label: Babamuse

Envisioned as a soundtrack for a movie with the same title,  Hamil musically introduces us to the award winning culminations of his spirit quests and journeys through Native American ceremonies which ultimately afforded him the opportunity to being a sun dancer. Tribal chants are woven into the guitar driven songs producing a delectably catchy, memorable and enlightening experience.

Wes Hamil WebsiteWes Hamil Facebook

The Pints - First Round

The Pints - First Round

The Pints
First Round
Label: Self Released

Having played around the Madison area for several years, this jiggy Irish and Celtic loving septet brandishes 13 traditional ditties infused with their own dynamic flings and spills. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, kilt and designated driver!

The The Pints Website

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