Colorado’s Octopus Nebula really emerged as an act to see this year. Blending downtempo, breakbeat, rock, acid jazz, and womped-out grooves, the young band makes pioneering instrumentals that are new variations of fusion. Influenced by early Sound Tribe, but with different toys and samples, they are a refreshing new evolution of the genre that mixes tribal sounds with dark atmospheres and driving instrumentation. These hard-edged and original parts are what make them stand out in a scene full of noodling jambands and over-produced crunk beats.
Originally formed in 2004, the current lineup came together in 2008 and consists of Fleeb Thomas on bass, Robin Bloch on guitar, John Safarik on keys, and Dan Raasch on drums.
They have impressed on the road and are ready for bigger audiences. They seem to improvise a little within a loosely scripted set and will hopefully expand on that with time and experience. They are growing their repertoire, and we anxiously await their first serious studio work.
The first show they ever played was a sold-out gig at Colorado’s famous Mishawaka Amphitheater with heavyweights Shpongle and Ott. They’ve also shared the stage with The Disco Biscuits, Random Rab, Bluetech, Eskmo, Signal Path, EOTO, and RJD2. Lately they’ve been jamming with Mike Rempel of Lotus with great results. Keep your eye on dese guys!
They are working on their debut album after being signed to Autonomous Music. In the meantime, grab whatever live stuff you can find:
Robin Your Mind Live @ Belly Up Aspen 4.26.10
Turning heads at Sonic Bloom 2010:
Autonomousmusic.org
Myspace.com/octopusnebula
