Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Merlot - Insipid Emaciation
MerlotInsipid Emaciation
Label: Barbarian Records
With drum beats so fast I had to laugh, this bleak black metal vision, spewn from some undisclosed Illinois location, buzzes and hums with discordant maneuvers of rhythm, tension and noise. The vocals are choked, scraped and scourged against the manic noise-scape tundra and left to fend for themselves. Wow.
Matthew Montfort - Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Matthew MontfortSeven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Label: Ancient Future Music
Being aptly titled to describe the non vocal guitar wizardry on this debut release from award winning Ancient Future band leader manages to expose his proficiencies and improvisational skills. Although well executed and technically proficient, the serenades are a tad on the dry side overall
• Matthew Montfort Website • Matthew Montfort WikiMastodon - Crack The Skye
MastodonCrack 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 Website • Mastodon WikiVinnie Moore - To The Core
Vinnie MooreTo The Core
Label: RED Distribution
Well versed and well seasoned instrumental guitar rock from a musical virtuoso who has been ‘moonlighting’ as guitarist for the legendary band UFO since 2003! While this album may not shred as metal as his 1986 release, it banters a grace and maturity with the technicality and structure that exemplify him as a leader in this field.
• Vinnie Moore Website • Vinnie Moore WikiMile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Mile Marker ZeroMile 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 WebsiteMadLove - White With Foam
MadLoveWhite With Foam
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Dwelling in the dreaminess of a sardonic state induced by the oft melancholy female fronted lyrics, this Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3, Fantomas) project executes resolutely refined rock band outcroppings via a quirky collection of music aficionados. While potentially falling off as initially flaccid, repeated listens evokes a more memorable and shapely timbre.
• MadLove WebsiteCathy-Anne McClintock - Cathy-Anne McClintock
Cathy-Anne McClintockCathy-Anne McClintock
Label: 37 Records
Tumbling past her tenure in country band Tumbleweed, this singer songwriter enlists Tim O’Brien to enrapture a more folksy element of the modern country spectrum with her charm. Not my usual territory, but something caught my eye.
• Cathy-Anne McClintock WebsiteZiggy Marley - Family Time
Ziggy MarleyFamily Time
Label: Tuff Gong Worldwide
Bob’s eldest son switches gears and focuses his good grooving reggae melodies towards the youngsters. Friend and family guests here include Rita Marley, Paul Simon, Willy Nelson, Jack Johnson and more! Did you see him singing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
• Ziggy Marley Website • Ziggy Marley WikiMahala Rai Banda - Ghetto Blasters
Mahala Rai BandaGhetto Blasters
Label: Asphalt Tango Records
Warning: Listening to this could cause an Instantaneous Dance Infection! Balkan, Gypsy, and Rai styles coalesce into driving compulsions of neck wrecking horn breakdowns and contagious hip swinging parties. Very memorable.
• Mahala Rai Banda WikiMr. Gnome - Heave Yer Skeleton
Mr. GnomeHeave Yer Skeleton
Label:
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.
• Mr. Gnome WebsiteMind.In.A.Box - Retro
Mind.In.A.BoxRetro
Label: Metropolis Records
Featured here are 11 crafty conjurations utilizing Commodore 64 sounds and themes that are reflected, magnified and re-inspired through current dark synthpop style electronica. This targeted computer music time capsule will thrill those with Commodore 64 memories while mystifying or enlightening those who don’t.
• Mind.In.A.Box Website • Mind.In.A.Box WikiJuan Maclean - DJ Kicks
Juan MacleanDJ Kicks
Label: !k7
Highly danceable house music culled from the global panorama of beat friendly options mixed live on two turntables and stratified by one of today’s more relevant electronic aficionados. The constantly motivating bass and conscientious samples further enhance the package.
• Juan Maclean Website • Juan Maclean WikiView More
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