Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Year 2012
Philm - Harmonic

Philm - Harmonic

Philm
Harmonic
Label: Ipecac Records

Behold, another side project from legend/drummer extraordinaire, Dave Lombardo.  Although not even remotely as fever pitched as his Slayer days, this is still heavy and his beats are amazing. Overall, this release works best in the noteworthy experimental atmospheric interludes, but resides too often in forgettable post-hardcore or post-apocalyptic delirium. Thankfully, this release has multiple dynamic options. 

Philm FacebookPhilm Wiki

niceFingers - Intercontinental Beat Collection

niceFingers - Intercontinental Beat Collection

niceFingers
Intercontinental Beat Collection
Label: self

The beatslinger duo of Nick Waterhouse and Dave Schneider is niceFingers. The intercontinental part of their release is just that, collaborating musically across continents. Dreamy soundscapes are lushly decorated with pulsing bass and a fresh outlook.

niceFingers WebsiteniceFingers Facebook

Staff Benda Bilili - Bouger le Monde!

Staff Benda Bilili - Bouger le Monde!

Staff Benda Bilili
Bouger le Monde!
Label: Crammed Disc

Filled with high energy and enthusiastic optimism, this group, originally formed by paraplegic street musicians in a half abandoned zoo in Kinshasa, Congo, takes their experience to the next level by showing off exquisite rhythms and lush harmony vocals provided by their seven singers. Energetic and invigorating!

Staff Benda Bilili WebsiteStaff Benda Bilili FacebookStaff Benda Bilili Wiki

Bomba Estereo - Elegancia Tropical

Bomba Estereo - Elegancia Tropical

Bomba Estereo
Elegancia Tropical
Label: Polen Records

Bogota’s hottest band infuses highly danceable cumbia with pleasant doses of electronics, allowing their take on Colombia’s Afro-Latin roots and beats to be unique and memorable. Their explosive moniker, named for the monster sound systems that power the local parties in Bogota is the perfect attention getter and sets the tone for the amazing cross pollination of influences and energies, jumping from chicha and champeta to dancehall vibes and beyond. 

Bomba Estereo WebsiteBomba Estereo FacebookBomba Estereo Wiki

Magnum - On The 13th Day

Magnum - On The 13th Day

Magnum
On The 13th Day
Label: SPV/Steamhammer

This isn’t a ride into virgin territory. In fact, after 34 years and 17 studio albums, this Birmingham-based melodic hard rock band is continuing to build their long lasting and impressive legacy. That said, this is a solid, highly listenable addition to their history and manages to largely avoid falling into the corny kitsch trap. 

Magnum WebsiteMagnum FacebookMagnum Wiki

Norska - Norska

Norska - Norska

Norska
Norska
Label: Brutal Panda Records

Tuned-down doom metal must be so fun to write. Loud, slow, huge, harsh, throbbing, epic, determined riffs and beats compliment the often harsh, but sometimes spacey vocals to produce a low end cacophony of dynamic delights. Contains members of and on tour with YOB this fall.

Norska WebsiteNorska Facebook

Analog Players Society - Hurricane Season in Brooklyn

Analog Players Society - Hurricane Season in Brooklyn

Analog Players Society
Hurricane Season in Brooklyn
Label: Studio Brooklyn

The percussionist, producer, and visionary known simply as Amon is the creative force behind this release, which utilizes top-notch studio musicians to bring ska, Afrobeat, hip hop and a few tangential classic covers together into a fun, funky groove rich experience. 

Analog Players Society WebsiteAnalog Players Society Facebook

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol. II

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol. II

Beats Antique
Contraption Vol. II
Label: Antique Records

I’m pretty smitten with this prolific (7 releases in 5 years!) group. Dreamy alluring Middle Eastern and Gypsy melodies are married to equally intriguing electronic infusions. Add in violin, belly dancing, live drums and special DJ Pizazz, and viola! Brilliance. 

Beats Antique WebsiteBeats Antique FacebookBeats Antique Wiki

Govinda - Resonance

Govinda - Resonance

Govinda
Resonance
Label: self

An EP of sensual electronic explorations through mysterious Middle Eastern beats woven into a tapestry of tantalizing female vocals, signature violin overlays and world-bass beats. Delicate, dark and delicious.

Govinda WebsiteGovinda Facebook

Hidria Spacefolk - Astronautica

Hidria Spacefolk - Astronautica

Hidria Spacefolk
Astronautica
Label: Hidria Records

Psychedelic space rock never sounded so good! Born out of a hippie commune in Finland and taking their cue from Ozric Tentacles, this non vocal Moog-a-delic experience will sweep you off on a stellar journey to dimensions unknown in the wink of a riff. See ya there!

Hidria Spacefolk WebsiteHidria Spacefolk FacebookHidria Spacefolk Wiki

Unwoman - The Fires I Started

Unwoman - The Fires I Started

Unwoman
The Fires I Started
Label: self

Erica Mulkey is Unwoman, a popular and prolific San Francisco-based cellist-singer-songwriter that spices up the strings with electronic beats and attitude. With seven self-produced solo albums and six successful Kickstarter campaigns under her belt, she is turning herself into a musical icon thanks to all the fans she accumulates at the steampunk, goth, and sci-fi-related events that she highlights. 

Unwoman WebsiteUnwoman FacebookUnwoman Wiki

Wookiefoot - Ready or Not

Wookiefoot - Ready or Not

Wookiefoot
Ready or Not
Label: Wookiefoot (self)

Wookiefoot (one of my all time favorite bands!) continues on their cosmic musical consciousness exploration journey by offering another ever-evolving excursion into anthemic New Age-ish euphemisms gone hippy pop reggae bluegrass jam funk. Will they be the Shangri La for your soul too? Don’t miss their tour this fall!

Wookiefoot WebsiteWookiefoot Facebook

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