Psychedelica Archives - The Earology Dept.

Nya Abudu, Cici Harrison, Amber Myers and Jessica Numsuwankijkul aren’t much like what one is used to hearing from a rock/alt band. This band of gypsies elevate, but at the same destroy expectations. Theirs is a funky, grungy and psyched-out rocket ride, in short a totally convincing rock deluge; a mix and match affair with shards of light pouring in from a wide range of influences. You may hear swathes of sound reminding you of early Jane’s Addiction, particularly 1988’s Nothing’s Shocking. Also, there are flashes of Seattle-sound, think Sound Garden. There is even some fine needle work reminiscent of Black Francis and his Pixies. But make no mistake these ladies are not copy cats by any means. They are bringing their own brand and stylistic approach to what they envision rock to be, and the results tug at your ears like a heavy-handed anvil of rock-n-rolla. Check out the band’s 7″, which includes the gorgeously badass songs “Ribbons” and “Love’s True Knot” believe me you’ll thank me. However, before running Heliotropes through your speakers you may want to update your insurance policy and get that “ear splitting” coverage you’ll surely be needing. Peace.
Continue reading “Heliotropes // 7″”

Shabazz Palaces protégés THEESatisfaction (Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White bka Cat and Stas) are the antithesis to the music industry cash cow, ala Nicki Minaj (No disrespect, just a fact). So the chances of hearing these cool and positively energetic dames on American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest anytime soon? HA! Forget about it. And, I’m fairly certain they’re alright with not ripping Victoria Secret’s runway or culling a brutish male altar-ego too. Mainly because these young hip hop heads aren’t interested in artifice, nope not even a lil’ bit. And, you can best believe both like nothing better than to shake it up a bit and bust out pop culture and put its fickleness on front street, if you catch my drift. According to various sources, the duo met at college and discovered not a few mutual interests, ranging from classic, circa 70’s R&B to Funk and Jazz influences, an affinity for William the Shakespeare, and not surprisingly the sounds and ethos of 80’s and 90’s hip hop. Together, their sound is heavily steeped in, not only R&B and the like, but thought-provoking observations on a world not seen through rose-colored lenses. Peep the newly minted single “Queens” to understand where they’re coming from. THEESatisfaction are releasing their debut LP awE naturalE via Sub Pop on March 27th. You can also cop the free download of the single QueenS here. Peace. Continue reading “THEESatisfaction // QueenS (Our Sunday Best)”