Eclectic Vibes - March 2010
by Andrew Frey
Heatbox
Repeat Heat
Last time we caught up with our friend Heatbox, he was performing his 11th show in 10 days, so we knew he was keeping busy. This time he performed a short but sweet set as part of Natty Nation’s Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the High Noon Saloon in Madison. We are always impressed with how he continues to refine and progress his vocal art and this night was no exception. The crowd swelled and grooved with each number as he assembled it live on stage as only he can. We planned on hanging out for the whole evening, but due to the building capacity crowd and some audience member’s horrific intestinal disarray which pervaded the club we decided to call it an early evening after his set. On the bright side, we will have another splendid opportunity to see him when he opens for Umphry’s McGee at the Orpheum Theatre on March 11th. Plus if you can’t make that show he has many others peppering the Minnesota and Wisconsin areas in the near future.
www.heatboxmusic.com
MICRO REVIEWS:
This Month's Rating Scale is from 1 Rail to 10 Top Shelf
Cobblestone Jazz - The Modern Deep Left Quartet
Cobblestone Jazz
Album title: The Modern Deep Left Quartet
Record Label: !K7 Records
Rating: 4
Anchored by lackadaisical and typically repetitive throbbing house beats that glides through smooth free flowing extra minimalistic waves of jazz, funk and fusion spun electronica may be enticing to some, but this ultimately finds me unattached and ejecting in favor of something with more substance, flavor and zest.
(3344) Page Views
Cobblestone Jazz online:
• Website
• Purchase The Modern Deep Left Quartet on Amazon
Disco Biscuits - Planet Anthem
Disco Biscuits
Album title: Planet Anthem
Record Label: SCI Fidelity/Diamond Riggs
Rating: 7
Too many avenues of experimentation and guest musicians water down the overall appeal of this release for me. Their usual amazing jamtronica thrust still feeds familiar aspects but their revisioning here also splinters the output into other frontiers of varying success. Doubtlessly still a great live show though.
(3030) Page Views
Disco Biscuits online:
• Website • Wiki
• Download Planet Anthem from Amazon
• Purchase Planet Anthem on Amazon
Ifdakar - On The Edge
Ifdakar
Album title: On The Edge
Record Label: IfdaInc
Rating: 9
Years of performing at festivals and taverns throughout the Midwest has finally born musical fruit for this Appleton, WI group in the form of this captivating, enthusiastic and heart felt jam rock treat. Many more roads will be traveled and adventures embarked upon as this distinguished and liberating release propells them far and wide.
(3270) Page Views
Ifdakar online:
• Website
• Download On The Edge from Amazon
• Purchase On The Edge on Amazon
Mr. Gnome - Heave Yer Skeleton
Mr. Gnome
Album title: Heave Yer Skeleton
Record Label:
Rating: 8
Distant atmospheres billow, blast and flutter with fuzzy post punk rhythms and floaty female vocals. This lush psychedelic duo produces soliloquies that travel through near pop realms while maintaining an intimate dose of fantasy and artistic creativity. Mr. Gnome will be appearing 4/30 at The Frequency in Madison.
(3109) Page Views
Mr. Gnome online:
• Website
• Download Heave Yer Skeleton from Amazon
• Purchase Heave Yer Skeleton on Amazon
Primitive Culture - Fantasy
Primitive Culture
Album title: Fantasy
Record Label: Hechtic Records
Rating: 9
Seasoned musicians currently from Madison power up a full platter of spunky funky blues with happening horns and tasty guitar tribulations. The compositions are further cross pollinated with reggae grooves and multicultural vibrations.
(3543) Page Views
Primitive Culture online:
• Website
Ami Saraiya - Archaeologist
Ami Saraiya
Album title: Archaeologist
Record Label: Self Released
Rating: 9
Sultry musical temptations shudder and delight throughout this deep and dreamy gypsy diatribe. Buffeted about on lilting waltzes bring forth a grand display of vocal and rhythmic variety from then and now as well as here and there.
(4450) Page Views
Ami Saraiya online:
• Website
• Download Archaeologist from Amazon
Sharon Shannon - Saints & Scoundrels
Sharon Shannon
Album title: Saints & Scoundrels
Record Label: The Daisy Label
Rating: 9
A goodly smattering of Irish, Celtic and Cajun musical reflections show off the charm, versatility and capabilities of this multi-platinum award-winning accordion player. She is joined by a bevy of guests (way too many to list!) which broaden the allure and personality of this release to a certain point of irresistibility.
(3269) Page Views
Sharon Shannon online:
• Website • Wiki
• Download Saints & Scoundrels from Amazon
• Purchase Saints & Scoundrels on Amazon
Rob Swift - The Architecht
Rob Swift
Album title: The Architecht
Record Label: Ipecac Records
Rating: 9
Quirky and jerky electronics incorporating elements flung far from most current norms. Divergently texturized by the two rapped vocal tracks; the rest of the release captures dynamics and mood from classical music samples to lead us on a unique electronic journey.
(3100) Page Views
Rob Swift online:
• Website • Wiki
• Download The Architecht from Amazon
• Purchase The Architecht on Amazon