Fourth album brings 'Peace'
Poole, Oriel
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The release of Sound Tribe Sector 9's fourth studio album has hauled audiences into an unforeseen expression of enchanting disconnect, motivated by our present day state of affairs.
STS9 is a five-piece collective consisting of Hunter Brown (guitar), David Phipps (keyboard/laptop), Zach Velmer (drums), Dave Murphy (bass) and Jeffree Lerner (percussion). The band is classified as electronic and rock but also incorporates significant layers of jazz, hip-hop, funk and drum and bass. Their adventurous musical styles draw parallels to Tiesto, Beck, Four Tet, the Talking Heads and Sigur Ros.
Originally based out of Atlanta, they now call Santa Cruz, Calif., home. Sound Tribe has performed to music enthusiasts all over the world with stops in Europe, Japan, and countess cities across the United States. Despite the dedicated fan base, STS9 manages to slip under the radar of mainstream music. Granted, recognition within the mainstream sector has always been secondary to their dedication to facilitate sophisticated musical compositions and dynamic live performances.
STS9's "Peaceblaster," which hit stores July 8, is a reflection of our nation's state of action. The title is a counterpoint of serenity and aggression, as if to suggest blasting feudalism with peace as a necessary means for change. The track "ReGeneration" introduces recordings of scholars who discuss human socialization and how media outlines our culture. The tracks released are not intended to dictate change, but to express what the individuals have endured as citizens. The emotions put forward are activated without the use of lyrics. Each track reads beautifully alone or as part of a whole.
With the release of "Peaceblaster," a corresponding web site that outlines current articles that impacted the direction of the album appears throughout.
Over the past five years of listening to STS9, I have had the honor to witness the group's development both in recording and on the stage. A lot has progressed since the bands integration of laptops alongside live instrumentation and the opening of their own record label, 1320 Records. "Peaceblaster" is a worthy demonstration of the bands capability to constructively criticize past works and develop their proficiency as artists. The album brings the listener one step closer to the experience of a live concert.
Take a moment-sit at home with a pair of headphones on, bass up, and body calm. Think about the thoughts that arise along the journey of this album. How does it make you feel? To me, this album feels edgy, awakening, refreshing, and well balanced. It's a journey of extreme intensities and grasps my inner in a unique way. No track feels over worked. Each holds significance to the entire album. Each stands strong alone or as part of a whole.
STS9 is a five-piece collective consisting of Hunter Brown (guitar), David Phipps (keyboard/laptop), Zach Velmer (drums), Dave Murphy (bass) and Jeffree Lerner (percussion). The band is classified as electronic and rock but also incorporates significant layers of jazz, hip-hop, funk and drum and bass. Their adventurous musical styles draw parallels to Tiesto, Beck, Four Tet, the Talking Heads and Sigur Ros.
Originally based out of Atlanta, they now call Santa Cruz, Calif., home. Sound Tribe has performed to music enthusiasts all over the world with stops in Europe, Japan, and countess cities across the United States. Despite the dedicated fan base, STS9 manages to slip under the radar of mainstream music. Granted, recognition within the mainstream sector has always been secondary to their dedication to facilitate sophisticated musical compositions and dynamic live performances.
STS9's "Peaceblaster," which hit stores July 8, is a reflection of our nation's state of action. The title is a counterpoint of serenity and aggression, as if to suggest blasting feudalism with peace as a necessary means for change. The track "ReGeneration" introduces recordings of scholars who discuss human socialization and how media outlines our culture. The tracks released are not intended to dictate change, but to express what the individuals have endured as citizens. The emotions put forward are activated without the use of lyrics. Each track reads beautifully alone or as part of a whole.
With the release of "Peaceblaster," a corresponding web site that outlines current articles that impacted the direction of the album appears throughout.
Over the past five years of listening to STS9, I have had the honor to witness the group's development both in recording and on the stage. A lot has progressed since the bands integration of laptops alongside live instrumentation and the opening of their own record label, 1320 Records. "Peaceblaster" is a worthy demonstration of the bands capability to constructively criticize past works and develop their proficiency as artists. The album brings the listener one step closer to the experience of a live concert.
Take a moment-sit at home with a pair of headphones on, bass up, and body calm. Think about the thoughts that arise along the journey of this album. How does it make you feel? To me, this album feels edgy, awakening, refreshing, and well balanced. It's a journey of extreme intensities and grasps my inner in a unique way. No track feels over worked. Each holds significance to the entire album. Each stands strong alone or as part of a whole.
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