Customer Reviews

Buck Fever

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I got this album, I didn't know what to expect. I'd been a fan of Mr. Bungle for some time and recently come across Secret Chiefs 3 and I wanted to dive deeper into the world of Bungle. I heard that Mr. Spruance had something to do with this band, Estradasphere. I heard what Tub Ring sounded like under Mr. Spruance's production, I knew he was behind it before I looked up their producer. So with that and having heard a few tidbits, I ordered the CD. Once I heard the first song, "Buck Fever," my jaw dropped and stayed that way through the ENTIRE CD! The various musical genres these fellows draw from is vast and well performed. "The Silent Elk of Yesterday," a black metal song, is done better than any dedicated black metal band could ever write. "Meteorite Showers" seems to be a creepy, schizophrenic tune that turns into a groovin' Beach Boys-a-la-LSD vibe. And then, my personal favorite "Bounty Hunter," a song that must be heard to describe fully. All in all this album would be the perfect buy for any Bungle or Zappa fan.

From the pool of immense musical creativity that has spawned the likes of Mr. Bungle and the Secret Chiefs 3 comes another jaw-dropping band, Estrasphere. While their first release, IT'S UNDERSTOOD was terrific, this album surpasses it in depth and complexity. All sorts of styles of music are covered here, and usually within the frame of a single song. Overall, there's more of a creepy Beach Boy thing going with the production of this album, making the presence of Trey Spruance strongly felt. "Buck Fever" and "Meteriote Shower" ride this retro wave, with spooky organs and guitar a la DISCO VOLANTE. "The Dapper Bandits," "Millenium Child," and "The Bounty Hunter" are epic jazz/world/metal pieces that will blow your mind. "Silent Elk," "Burnt Corpse," and "Intense Battle" are pure death metal; "Crag Lake" and "Trampoline Klan" are pure video game music. And, of course, "Bride of the Buck" and "What Deers May Come" are good old New Age relaxation bits. Intrigued? You should be, and if you like challenging music with immense richness and depth, you should check out this album.

"Don't describe it, don't compare, talk or lie about it just, show me the deer."

This album is just awesome. The production is incredible which is amazing because most if it was recorded in the bathroom of their bass player's house. Estradasphere mainly plays in a klezmer/jazz/disco vein, with frequent forays into doo-wop and and Scandanavein style extreme metal. And then there are some new agey pieces that have quotes such as.."Fear not the king stags antlers, however masculine they may be". Yeah. And then there is the old-nintendo style pieces.....But its really good. The whole disc is pretty coherent, and much more "listenable" then the Bungles to whom they are frequently compared. Not so aggressive or dark, though they do get very "metal" for entire songs. Good stuff, one of my favorite recent purchases.

It's a tough one. I hate it when people associate bands like bungle, sc3, etc.. to other bands of similar genres or circles. Its like you give it that extra chance, if you're a little in doubt you play it one more time, just incase there's something you missed. I'm so guilty of the same thing, yet I despise it. I want to find something outside of that incestuous circle of bands. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love bungle, sc3, fantomas and naked city, etc.. they are some of my favourite bands, but when you get a real love for a band, its a little annoying when people say, "oh, that sounds like bungle" or "isn't that the sc3 off-shoot?". I overheard a conversation at a fantomas show in perth, australia; "who are you here to see?" the other girl replied, "i'm here for slayer". I couldn't believe it. (And down the rabbit hole it goes)... anyway, estradasphere are one of my all time favourite bands. On a personal note, its like their music is the sound track to my life. When I play their music, everything becomes normal. As musicians they completely blow me away. They have the ability to keep things sounding so 'normal' yet they are abstracting complex riffs, structures and time frames. Estradasphere put a big smile on my face. They are completely opposite to what I'm used to hearing. It's easy listening, but complex playing and ideas. They do push the boundaries. If you didn't know it, you never would. I love it. I recommend this band not because they have 'credibility' or they're 'different' - but because they're just doing what is natural and it sounds amazing.

Deer hunting, Mario Bros and people who know how to make very creative music is what you'll get on this album. I wish these guys would put an album out every week. I love albums like this where you never know what to expect when you listen to it for the first time. It takes me back to 1991 when I first listened to Mr Bungle for the first time and my views on music haven't been the same since. This is one of the most unique albums you'll find anywhere. Buy it buy it buy it. You won't regret it.

So, they have done it again. These guys are masters, and this album simply clinches the deal. I've yet to find a band that can match them in technique, style, inventivness, humor, or [...] changes from metal to mario.....
If you've never heard them, hear them now.
[....] Get it. Love it. Smell the Buck.

Really cool cd. worth your money for sure! think they are supporting secret chiefs 3 (trey spruance's band) so that might give you an idea of what they are like. if your into SC3, bungle, other kinda patton stuff then you will like this album! lots of fun althrough the album, especially the little mario bros. music in between some songs! good to smoke to, which helps! not really anything else i can say! lots of different vocal styles (patton-esque) but then you could say that about any singer who changes vocal styles in songs now. anyway not a huge band at all if you are looking it is either cos you know who they are so you will buy this without my view or you will have heard through SC3 & bungle most likely so you will like if you like those bands or just good fun records!

Hmmm.....what to say about Estradasphere. First off, if you have not seen this band play live, you're really missing out on something so wonderfully awesome and beautiful, it's not even funny. Go see them.....go see them play now!!!!!!
Every track on this album is great!! With styles ranging from jazz to pop to disco, latin, klezmer, gypsy, rock, death metal ass-kickin fun! You'll buy this album now if you know what's good for you!

Easily one of my favorite CDs, and a true testament to musical genius. BUY IT.

While the ability of these young adult's debut to cover and meld opposing genres is impressive, the comedic technicality of it all becomes an overriding factor when appreciating fleeting compositional brilliance.