In The Electric Universe

Description

Mahogany Frog's 'In The Electric Universe' is the seventh studio album - and third on MoonJune Records - by Canadian instrumental electro-psychedelic outfit Mahogany Frog. Six years in the making, the recording illustrates a foray into forms of sonic searching previously unexamined by the group. Building from approaches in orchestration captured on their 2012 effort SENNA, the group aims to create infinitely morphing waves of sound that transcend conventional perceptions of instrumentation, while simultaneously offering melodic and rhythmic closure. Utilizing the gradual unfolding of themes, extensive repetition, textural layering and crunchy, downbeat-heavy grooves, the tunes invoke a listening experience that is trance-like and hypnotic. The extensive employment of synthesized arpeggiators, often detached from the rhythm and irresolute in tempo, generate warm and disorienting backdrops to otherwise approachable structures. Tape loops and tape delay are used experimentally, highlighting decay and fragmentation. The compositions serve as foundations for melodic layering, tonal examination and deconstruction, resulting in a dynamic and colourful collection of music rich in expression, playfulness and resolve. The group is comprised of Graham Epp (guitar/keyboards/electronics /trumpet), Jesse Warkentin (guitar/keyboards/electronics), Scott Ellenberger (bass /keyboards /electronics /trumpet) and Andy Rudolph (drums/keyboards/electronics). The music draws influence from 60s psychedelia, 70s progressive/fusion, jazz, 50s exotica, electronica, and ambient/experimentalism.