Once again, the otherwise understated area of Muscle Shoals, Alabama finds itself in the limelight. Recognized for inspiring legendary recordings from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers, Muscle Shoals has played host to some of the most creative music in popular culture. The town is so legendary that even current platinum selling artists such as The Black Keys have recently have made it a point to record recent releases there. This leaves no doubt that a musical revival is imminent and the locally bred electronic duo BoomBox is leading the charge.
“I do believe that music is genetic—it’s a family thing. Whatever was magical about Muscle Shoals is still there.” Dan Auerbach, The Black Keys
BoomBox was born in Muscle Shoals, AL. Not just figuratively, but literally. The duo grew up just a few short blocks from the famous “Muscle Shoals Sound Studio” where legend claims the most famous recordings in history have been inspired. As luck would have it, the two met in 2004 during a recording session, and haven’t looked back since. In recent years, BoomBox, in addition to the likes of the Drive By Truckers, have become one of a few acts that are being recognized for their unique take on “the Shoal’s” musical history.
Featuring Producer/Engineer/Drummer Russ Randolph and Producer/Vocalist/Instrumentalist Zion Rock Godchaux, BoomBox draws their inspiration from the roots of the region including elements of Motown, Folk and Vintage Rock while infusing modern elements of IDM, Disco and Funky House. Add layers of raw guitar riffs, catchy songwriting and signature psychedelia poetry lyrics and the result is like nothing else on the scene today.
As thousands of units of their debut release Visions of Backbeat continue to move and tracks like Stereo hit dancefloors worldwide, BoomBox releases their sophomore album, downriverelectric on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.
While many electronic acts typically record within digital production formats, it happens the very same organic setting that was the impetus in the create the movement of BoomBox ultimately became the final inspirations for the completion of downriverelectric. Through tapping some of the same vintage gear of their Muscle Shoal predecessors, the duo pays respect to the musical memoirs of Muscle Shoals’ as well as the rhythms of the Tennessee River with a different, yet familiar, flavor.
From new cuts such as Dungeons and Watergun to live favorites Headchange and Mr. Boogieman, downriverelectric deliberately weaves a variety of dance frenzy beats filled with catchy songwriting and soul shuttering lowend. While the album took a bit longer than expected, the final product foretells yet another groundbreaking release from the area worth recognition. What’s yet to come from the Muscle Shoals music scene is hard to tell, but one thing is for certain, with acts like BoomBox infusing the rich lore of the area into their current sound, history is guaranteed to repeat itself.
To celebrate the release of downriverelectric the group currently has 2 tracks for free download at www.music.thisisboombox.com and on Wednesday, June 30 will make the first 1000 downloads of entire album available free! Listen to Boombox's 'Watergun' {play}images/mp3/watergun.mp3{/play}
downriverlectric track list:
1. dungeons
2. headchange
3. showboat
4. cool aide smile
5. watergun
6. round & round
7. shakedown street
8. mr boogie man
9. watergun (reprise)
Not your typical jam band (they have just as many disco and electronica influences as anything else), Particle started in 2000 in Los Angeles with keyboardist Steve Molitz, drummer Darren Pujalet, bassist Eric Gould, and guitarist Dave Simmons. Tragically, Simmons died just two months after the band started, but Particle found his replacement in Charlie Hitchcock. Gaining fans from the pure energy of their live show, Particle released their debut album, Launchpad, in 2004. The next year Hitchcock left the band, and Scott Metzger and Ben Combe took his place on guitar, also bringing in vocals -- a new addition for the group. Particle celebrated their first-ever performance with the new lineup by recording it and releasing its highlights (along with pieces from another show) as Transformations Live for the People in 2006.
They issued their first national release, Taught to Be Proud, in 2005 and within a year they were opening for Gov't Mule, Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews Band and a host of other lauded musicians. In 2007, longtime bass player Ben Chambers left the band and was replaced by Reed Mathis, formerly of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. Mathis's stylistic versatility on bass proved to be the perfect fit for the band. In 2008, Tea Leaf Green went on to re-release their first three studio albums as the triple-CD compilation entitled Seeds. Later that year the band followed up with their next studio album Raise Up the Tent.
Broemel could’ve taken the easy road and penned a lyrical triptych to the remarkable journey he’s experienced over the past several years, but instead All Birds Say is an incredibly honest and sincere insight into the artist’s inner-most thoughts as he attempts to reconcile his role in life.
“Where do you start? Or where do you stop? And how do you reconcile the things you do versus the things you don’t? It’s something I’m constantly thinking about. I think there’s a lot of trying to be aware of what you’re doing now versus dwelling on things or worrying about what’s gonna happen later. A lot of the songs are really just me talking to myself, trying to make sense of things in my head.”