Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Progressive
Formosa Triangle - Formosa Triangle

Formosa Triangle - Formosa Triangle

Formosa Triangle
Formosa Triangle
Label:

They may have taken their name from an area located about 100 miles south of Tokyo, Japan, which has had mysterious ship losses, but the tight and heavy groove-metal that flourishes in the continuum established between the two lone members of this Chicago powerhouse may propel them further than the Pacific Ocean.

Formosa Triangle Website

Chico Mann - Analog Drift

Chico Mann - Analog Drift

Chico Mann
Analog Drift
Label: Wax Poetics Records

Except for the effervescent cover of Talking Heads ‘Once in a Lifetime,’ Analog Drift was composed and played entirely by Marcos Garcia who IS Chico Mann. As a member of Anatibala Afrobeat Orchestra he traveled the world and learned all about Afro-Cuban funk which he expertly employs here along with other well chosen influences.

Chico Mann WebsiteChico Mann Facebook

Kazyak - A Beautiful Brontosaurus

Kazyak - A Beautiful Brontosaurus

Kazyak
A Beautiful Brontosaurus
Label: Ground Up Productions

Bebobble-deeing between countrified jams and upstart funky rock may show off a classic jam rock band influence, but this friendly and flowing vision utilizes an ambitious combination of elements to create a memorable recording filled with harmony vocals, salient solos and delectable rhythms that are especially admirable for a trio to produce.

Kazyak WebsiteKazyak Facebook

Titan - Sweet Dreams

Titan - Sweet Dreams

Titan
Sweet Dreams
Label: Relapse Records

Keyboards unabashedly take the forefront of this psychedelic prog-metal experience. Expanses of whirling grooves hook the listener with a demanding intensity that is unfurled with each breathtaking riff and blast.


Atrocity - After The Storm

Atrocity - After The Storm

Atrocity
After The Storm
Label: Napalm Records

One of my long time favorite experi-“metal” bands, this German group has explored many facets of musical and cultural heritage over the years. Their exploration continues by refining their folk fancies, expanding on their impressive song structure, and again including the amazing vocals of Yasmin (frontman Alexander Krull’s sister). Powerful, invigorating, and unique.

 

Atrocity WebsiteAtrocity Facebook

Fonderia - My Grandmother’s Spacesuit

Fonderia - My Grandmother’s Spacesuit

Fonderia
My Grandmother’s Spacesuit
Label:

An award winning Italian group, creating enticing improvisational electronica grounded in a prog rock underbelly. Musical constellations are filled with horns and fuzzy bass lines that melt into lunar jams in the universal rhythmic quagmire that defies description.

Fonderia WebsiteFonderia Wiki

Paper Diamond - Levitate

Paper Diamond - Levitate

Paper Diamond
Levitate
Label: Pretty Lights Music

Paper Diamond is Colorado producer Alex B. While expanding the Pretty Lights empire, this release comes to us without samples but with a funky, spunky flair unique to this release. Spacey synthesizers drive the sweet melodies and catchy grooves. This one has that magic touch.

Paper Diamond WebsitePaper Diamond Facebook

Freak Kitchen - Land of the Freaks

Freak Kitchen - Land of the Freaks

Freak Kitchen
Land of the Freaks
Label: The Laser's Edge

Touted as ‘Europe’s best musical secret’ due to limited distribution, Freak Kitchen has just had their back-catalog released and this one from 2009 is the first in line. The progressive power trio consists of three renowned virtuoso musicians - Mattias “IA” Eklundh (guitar/vocals), Christer Ortefors (bass), and Bjorn Fryklund (drums). When these hard-working musicians are not performing in a band, they are out teaching clinics. The music contains creative progressive rock elements with a healthy dose of Frank Zappa influenced humor plus musical shenanigans and acrobatics galore.

Freak Kitchen WebsiteFreak Kitchen FacebookFreak Kitchen Wiki

Choban Elektrik  - Choban Elektrik

Choban Elektrik - Choban Elektrik

Choban Elektrik
Choban Elektrik
Label: self

Although Brooklyn is their home, this progressive power trio finds their musical roots in Albanian, Macedonian, Greek, and Armenian folk melodies. Choban Elektrik means “Electric Shepherds” and is a name that fits them sublimely. ” Vintage Hammond organs and Fender Rhodes are harnessed along with guitar and bass to further bend and blend genres and global visions within their improvisational platitudes.

Choban Elektrik WebsiteChoban Elektrik Facebook

District 97 - The Trouble With Machines

District 97 - The Trouble With Machines

District 97
The Trouble With Machines
Label: Laser's Edge

What a treat! Fronted by 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist, Leslie Hunt, this extremely melodic and concise prog rock band from Chicago has drawn musical accolades for their adventurous instrumentation and passionate delivery. If you are looking for an excellent contemporary dose of prog fronted by outstanding female vocals, look no further!

District 97 WebsiteDistrict 97 Facebook

Mire - Inward/Outward

Mire - Inward/Outward

Mire
Inward/Outward
Label: self-published

Touted as being the heir apparent to the long vacant TOOL throne of progressive rock, Montreal’s Mire provide a convincing display of aptitude, depth and prowess, while sounding a LOT like TOOL. These complex compositions with delicate dynamics captured my attention from first listen and continue to provide satisfaction as more layers unfold.

Mire WebsiteMire Facebook

lespecial - Omnisquid

lespecial - Omnisquid

lespecial
Omnisquid
Label: CD Baby

Vascilating between intense Tool level prog metal, and ambient electronic glitches this truly IS the Omnisquid! Weaving a path of ever morphing grooves and rhythms occasionally popping into King Crismson level tinkering and tweaking on their guitars, lespecial delivers twists and turns a plenty, but not so many that the music suffers. Bristling with activity and inspiration there is much to absorb and observe here.

lespecial Websitelespecial Facebook

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