Estradasphere — Buck Fever

Wow! My whole CD collection on one CD! Now this is a space-saving alternative for the open-minded musiclover! Estradasphere might even be the most diverse band in existence.

The second album by the Californian band is a logical step after their debut 'It's Understood'. They grab any musical idiom they can handle: and they can handle a lot! Whether it's ethno-deathmetal like 'A Very Intense Battle' or jazz-rock as in 'Millennium Child': they sound convincing in every way. Not bothered by restricting futilities like musical barriers and marketability, Estradasphere wander through the world of music. They still manage to keep some kind of coherence. Whether it's the Tao Te Ching put in an epic blackmetal context or Bulgarian folk mixed with techno, it all sounds unmistakably like Estradasphere.

The new material contains a lot more vocals than the first album. They range from deep deathgrunts to Beach Boys-like arrangements. They even manage to add some native American vocals and Tuvan throatsinging in there! There's an enormous array of instruments used (and listed!). Luckily: bass-player Tim Smolens' production-skills have improved a lot since the first album so the sound of Buck Fever is diverse and detailed.

Traditionally there are a few Nintendo-like computertunes on it and part of the Super Mario Bros medley is performed by the band. Of course there are some reflective new age moments by Mike Seifert. Sounds of a buckhunt are inbetween and built into the songs like a thread throughout the album. Some material was already on the The Silent Elk Of Yesterday EP. 'Millennium Child' is now a studiorecording and much longer than on the EP. 'Burnt Corpse' and 'Rise n' Shine' are also included as a studioversion.

Although I wouldn't trade my entire collection for this CD I think this band should be treasured by anyone who like musical adventure and doesn't care about songs in the traditional (Anglo/Afro-American rock) way. The more extreme stuff might scare some people but I think these days extreme music is more accepted than ever. Anyway, if you like jazz, gypsyfolk, metal, pop, rock and assorted other musical styles, this might be a band for you!