Planet Anthem, the new CD from The Disco Biscuits, shows an energy-filled and refreshingly new side to the band which
branches out from its usual instrumental and jam-inducing songs that have many sections almost entirely made for expanding upon and experimenting with
during their explorative live performances. The new CD, though seemingly distant from their previous work at first listen, actually has many
similarities to their past music.
Typically, their songs are heavily jazz and pop influenced, but Planet Anthem seems to take their jazz influences and stretch them into blues
and funk tunes, while taking their pop qualities and branching them into hip-hop elements. The album has a more complete and finished sound than past
albums; an obvious sign that they spent more time in the studio, especially in post production with the addition of non-conventional instruments and
effects.
The new release also has less obvious spots for jamming, but it is a guarantee that they will find ways to explore and expand on every song during
their upcoming performances on their tour. The opening song "Loose Change" is a definite throw back to their recognizable 70s, Pink Floyd jam-rock feel,
with "Widget" retaining the eloquent and smooth jam-inducing songs' tone.
"You and I" is a perfect bridge between their previous style and their new era, allowing them to stretch their wings into new genres and
opportunities. The 'bridge' continues to segue between genres seamlessly into the next song, "Konkrete", showing their masterful transitioning from funk
to hip-hop, and into the final song, "Über Glue", landing on a perfect note of hip-hop, funk, jazz, and instrumentalism full of jamming possibilities,
encompassing the overall feel of the album.
Planet Anthem is definitely an album worthy of several spins around the turntable, as it presents several redeeming qualities on many different
levels; qualities which reveal themselves on each additional listen.
Check it out at: www.discobiscuits.com.
Review by Caroline Wuertz
