CD REVIEW: STS9 "Axe The Cables"

Since this is a band that is known for breaking down barriers and creating intensely creative live electronic music, it is no wonder that they have decided to release a collection of tunes that takes an incredible left turn from where they are right now. STS9 started out as just an instrumental jam band, with similarities in style to Phish and the Grateful Dead, but slowly morphed into pioneers of the jam dance scene and live electronic music. This performance has the guys returning to their roots, unplugging their instruments and dropping the sampling and turntables for a more organic sound. Not since the band was known by their full name, Sound Tribe Sector 9, have they released music with this level of energy and creativity. They showcase their true musicianship in each song on this release, and on songs like "Kamuy" they reinvent classic electronic tunes in a whole new way. When STS9 perform and release music, you can never be sure exactly what you are going to get, but the end result is always and outstanding display of artistry and instrumentation. This one is no exception, and it offers us a reminder of the roots of the band, and refresh out love for their ever changing and inventive style.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Trevor Hall - Chasing The Flame: On The Road With Trevor Hall
• Ernie Halter - Franklin & Vermont
• Steel Train - Steel Train
• STS9 - Axe The Cables

CD REVIEW: STS9 "Ad Explorata"

STS9 keep on reinventing themselves while still remaining true to their core character as an old school jam band. Boldly diving into the 21st century, STS9 is amongst the very few jam bands able to harness the power of electronic music and perform it as a live band. On their latest album, and frankly their most future-forward, the band channels the energy usually displayed during their live sets. The album has both the feel of a live show and a DJ set, with each song being displayed as a sonic work of art. Nothing holds this band back as the syncopated drumming, haunting keyboards, and rhythmic guitars in each and every song tell a story without the use of lyrics. The most precious masterpieces contained within this album are "Looking Back On Earth," "EHM," and "Oil & Water," all of which, and at different moments, could have been performed by the Grateful Dead or the Chemical Brothers. With the new indie movement leaning towards electronic rock, and bands like Animal Collective and Passion Pit spearheading the way, STS9 is bound to garner some widespread critical success on the heels of "Ad Explorata."