Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Larkin Grimm - Parplar
Larkin GrimmParplar
Label: Young God Records
Elements of folk, electronica and ultra eclecticism race like wildfire to stoke the pyres of originality and imagination with astounding results. Her ribald lyrical whit slaps the listeners as sharply a whip and the rhythms worm deliciously into your brain. A real wild one!
APPEARING LIVE 2/17 at The Frequency in Madison; 2/19 at Stonefly Brewery in Milwaukee; 2/20 at Turf Club in St. Paul, MN.
• Larkin Grimm Website • Larkin Grimm WikiMerlot - 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.
Sugar Red Drive - Sugar Red Drive
Sugar Red DriveSugar Red Drive
Label: Self Released
As this young band heartily strives to dip into the commercial hard rock pop mélange, they have fashioning a non descript sound featuring post Seattle style vocal crooning and an unimpressive set of sappy rhythms and grooves that get gummed up with overproduction and lack of originality. Sugar overdose?
• Sugar Red Drive WebsiteSteven Halpern - Relaxation Suite
Steven HalpernRelaxation Suite
Label: Inner Peace Music
Sound and vibrational healing techniques were pioneered by Halpern, the worlds leading composer of healing and relaxation music. This time he has chosen to funnel the healing energy mostly through a piano, with a number other choice instruments woven in. Blissful.
• Steven Halpern Website • Steven Halpern WikiVolbeat - Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood
VolbeatGuitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood
Label: Mascot Records
A Danish group that has refined their Misfits meets Pantera musical style to include a stronger punk-a-billy attitude with more gang vocals while still maintaining their hep cat swagger and stance. Slick, resourceful and fun.
• Volbeat Website • Volbeat WikiAl Conti - Scheherazade
Al ContiScheherazade
Label: Shadowside Music
Utilizing the legendary tales of 1001 Arabian nights is a sure bet for a theme and Conti supports the legends with ambient Middle Eastern musical structures while embellishing his work with exotic instruments and captivating arrangements. Escape to another world.
• Al Conti Website • Al Conti WikiBurn Sand Burn - Not In Reverse
Burn Sand BurnNot In Reverse
Label: Gary the “Landlord” Records
This 3 piece spawn of Denver, CO gleefully cranks out spunky punk/post punk utterances that twirl tales of melodic indie pop platitudes into a vision of an energetic now.
Eisbrecher - Sünde
EisbrecherSünde
Label: Metropolis Records
Not all German industrial metal bands sound like Rammstein, but these folks sure do. The unyielding throbbing metal marches form a platform for the foreboding deep German vocals that are barked with a crisp snap.
• Eisbrecher Website • Eisbrecher WikiJulie The Band - An Act Of Communication
Julie The BandAn Act Of Communication
Label: Baby Bird Records
Effervescent and artsy alt-rock that floats from the extremes of lush etheric choir vocals to abrupt post-punk skewered beats. A horn section adds depth and flavor to this eclectic mix.
• Julie The Band WebsiteLuna Mortis - The Absence
Luna MortisThe Absence
Label: Century Media
Displaying a polished melodic thrash attack, this Madison quintet marks the major metal scene in a big way! Fronted by a metal maiden and cajoling intricate yet cohesive fretboards furies into the neckwrecking percussion finds solid grounding here.
• Luna Mortis WikiMariah Parker - Sangria
Mariah ParkerSangria
Label: Ancient Future Music
Spicy tantalizing flamenco melodies cross pollinate with East Indian rhythms that beg to be imbibed in while a gentle warm breeze rustles your hair. Jazzy flirtations permeate the world music foray and are focused by Parkers poignant piano (or santur) accentuations.
• Mariah Parker WebsiteMatthew 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 WikiView More
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