Denver band may be genre-bending multi-intrumentalists, but they are too grounded to be avante garde. The band will release its sophomore album on Nov. 23, but download “Broken Record” now.
“Fondness,” the sophomore album from the multi-instrumental, genre-bending Denver band Locusts of Egypt, could be seen as a musical study of contrasts. Just as listeners settle in to a jangly pop song, or a lush ballad with sustained organ, or an acoustic guitar accompanied by a very Parisian accordion, the band will add an element that at first seems discordant yet ultimately fits perfectly.
“Broken Record,” available for download below, begins with an organ and a standard drumbeat before adding an odd sliding melody that sounds like an out-of-tune kazoo. Then, as the song builds, heavy guitars spike through the solemn sound, before ending washed in feedback. On the album, this song leads in to “Josie’s Cabin,” a song featuring banjo, harmonica, and a vocal melody reminiscent of Neil Young. In fact, much of Locusts of Egypt’s music could be described as Neil Young in a very Thurston Moore mood.
All this contrast of instruments and styles begs to be called “experimental” or “avante garde.” But Locust of Egypt’s music is way too grounded for that. As varied as this music is, it never crosses the line into being a cluttered hodge podge. Instead, this is a very creative band of talented folks with a tool shed of instruments at their disposal, and nothing stopping them from grabbing a trumpet to play over a flamenco beat if they see fit.
Download “Broken Record,” a song about trying to change someone you love, but finally realizing you can’t. The band has also produced a for the track. Locusts of Egypt will perform at a CD release party on Nov. 23 at .
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks — along with any interesting facts about them, as well as a photo or album art — to Steal This Track for consideration.
Josh Johnson is a Denver freelance writer and Reverb contributor. He is also a co-host/co-producer of the Denver podcast . He’s also a journeyman butcher. Seriously.
