Eclectic Vibes - June 2014
by Andrew Frey
Jump for joy, it’s June! Time to break out the bubbles and bust up the beats while we dance and weave our way through an amazing summer.
INFRASOUND EXCITEMENT
From June 5-8 the NCN Campground in Black River Falls, WI will once again be alive with cutting edge electronic music during the Infrasound Music Festival (infrasoundfestival.com). The lineup this year is as tantalizing as ever with Tipper headlining for the second time and featuring 2 sets, no doubt showing off tracks from his newest, Forward Escape. In addition, there will be smashing performances from The Polish Ambassador, Mr Bill, Thriftworks, Kayla Scintilla, Lucent Dossier Experience, Michael Menert, Paul Basic and MANY others.
FLAG FLYING
Seminal hardcore punk band Black Flag has moved past the mudslinging and solved all their legal and personal issues long enough to get out and tour anew in 2014. Best known for their iconic 4 bar logo and their angry, visceral in your face music and lyrics, Black Flag has been influencing the music scene since their first EP hit the streets in 1978! Guitarist Greg Ginn still anchors the band, but will be joined by new singer and skateboard legend Mike Vallely as well as the Texas-based rhythm section, bassist Tyler Smith and drummer Brandon Pertzborn. Get out there and mosh it up on 6/15 at Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis and 6/16 at Majestic Theater in Madison. blackflagofficial.com
TECHNICOLOR TREES
The colorful creatures known as Neon Trees are out and about touring in support of their zippy new Pop Psychology release. Their alterna-pop fantasies will come alive at First Avenue in Minneapolis on 6/23, at Majestic Theater in Madison on 6/24 and 6/25 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. www.fameisdead.com
DOUBLE JAH PLEASURE
If summer means sweaty gyrations to roots rock, dub, and reggae, you are in for a treat! The UW Madison Memorial Union - Terrace brings you back-to-back top-notch Wisconsin grown, Jah-loving island rhythm shows. Leading the way is Madison’s own reggae legends Natty Nation on 6/27 bringing you a full night of Natty, while the following night (6/28) brings the equally vibrant and saucy Roots Collective to the masses. Holy smokers this weekend is gonna rage! www.nattynation.com www.reverbnation.com/rootscollective
MICRO REVIEWS:
This Month's Rating Scale is from 1 is Pixelated 10 is Transfixated
Big Mean Sound Machine - Contraband
Big Mean Sound Machine
Album title: Contraband
Record Label: Angry Mom Records
Rating: 9
An instant dance party! They throw down the funk with lots of horns, then pump up the Afrobeat before sizzling up some psychedelia and jazzy gyrations. Recorded live to capture their raw 12-member fury only makes me want to experience this party live ASAP!
(2050) Page Views
Big Mean Sound Machine online:
• Website • Facebook
• Download Contraband from Amazon
Celia - Shaman Journey
Celia
Album title: Shaman Journey
Record Label: self-published
Rating: 10
An everyday Goddess showing off many of her lovely musical facets, travelling through the seasons as easily as across the ocean. Celtic, new age and shamanic intonations are found in abundance as she weaves rhythms and chants that entice and caress your soul. Plus her live performances show off her comedic talents as well as her chanteuse.
(2004) Page Views
Celia online:
• Website
Hypnagog - Thematic Mathematics
Hypnagog
Album title: Thematic Mathematics
Record Label: Kinematic Records
Rating: 9
Swirling together a wide swath of well-thought-out electronica, from glitch to trance, progressive to psychedelic, dreamscapes to breakbeats, as well as flirting with many others, Melbourne based Hypnagog, aka Felix Greenlees, gives us a lot to choose from on this adventurous and dynamic release. On his own Kinematic Records too!
(2218) Page Views
Hypnagog online:
• Website • Facebook
• Download Thematic Mathematics from Amazon
• Purchase Thematic Mathematics on Amazon
See-I - Knowledge Shine Bright
See-I
Album title: Knowledge Shine Bright
Record Label: Fort Knox Recordings
Rating: 8
Garnering experience during their 15 years as front-men for the Thievery Corporation live band, brothers Arthur “Rootz” Steele and Archie “Zeebo” Steele founded SEE-I and are now leaders the reggae-soul movement. Funk, dancehouse, and smooth, jazzy electronics blend with the soul and reggae to produce a surprisingly broad vista of styles to work with and enjoy.
(2550) Page Views
See-I online:
• Website • Facebook
• Download Knowledge Shine Bright from Amazon