Three Bands and About a Million Sounds
2009.04.28
Seattle's Gumshen drop into the broadcast with selected tracks from their EP Super Buffet--a fitting title in that there's a lot of variety to consume on the platter. "Down Like Me" starts off with a kickin' guitar riff, but about halfway through the track it morphs into a laid back 70s groove before transitioning yet again to a hard rock-rap segment and then finally bringing it full circle back to the opening riff. Brilliant! Other tracks from the Buffet demonstrate an equal amount of diversity as some incorporate more of a muddy, modern rock feel à la Dinosaur Jr. ("Start of Something Good") while still others are much more chill ("Lost Disguise") that showcase Gumshen's softer side. The band are due back in the studio this month to record their next EP and it's anything like Super Buffet, GroundWaves will be queuing up for seconds.
Brooklyn's Ecotone Refugees bring their psychedelic rock sound to GroundWaves along with their most recent release Water Is Rising. The Refugees define their sound as "one part stoner rock, a bit of doom metal, electronica for ambience and enough hooks to catch a school of fish." I have a much simpler definition... controlled chaos. Think Fugazi meets an acid jazz band with Kim Thayil on guitar and a cross between Jim Morrison, Glenn Danzig and Chris Cornell on vocals--and you'd be close. The diversity of styles and genres that flow in and out of ER's songs create a truly eclectic sound that is fueled by solid phrases, beautifully constructed hooks and intense jams. Their music is real... real good, that is, and every time you take a listen you hear something you missed the last time. Check it out.
In her debut EP, we find Norwegian-born/L.A.-based Sweet Annie's beautiful voice set atop a selection of songs that dance between genres, showcasing her diversity not only as a talented vocalist but an accomplished singer/songwriter. "Little Boy" waxes melancholy, "On and On" resonates with more of a folk/soft alternative rock vibe and "Take Me Home" is a groovy little tune that merges jazz/lounge type verses with electronica-style choruses--the track also features a terrific techno drumbeat as a backdrop and throws in a dash of 70s style wah-wah guitar, giving it just a flash of da funky. The EP is a great accomplishment for a first release, and GroundWaves eagerly awaits her first full length disc.
