On June 24th, Rumspringa released their debut EP, giving L.A. fans who have enjoyed Rumspringa’s Monday night residency at The Echo this month something tide them over until the band comes back again. This funk rock duo utilizes an intriguing melange of musical styles, from ambient blues rock to an almost old-school rap. Singer Joey Stevens probes with a limber rockstar drawl even undertaking a Tom Waits-like raspy growl, emphasized in “Skulls and Phones.” The lyrics, ranging from simple and straightforward to obscure and dismal, effortlessly find their place within the rhythmic groove rolling through each song.
Rumspringa’s EP succeeds in developing six tracks of unique engaging sound that pulls the listener in with a laid-back hip musical vibe. Rumspringa’s synthesis of various musical elements contributes to an alternative rock style similar to what multi-instrumentalist Beck is known and loved for.
Instantly catchy opening track, “Shake ‘Em Loose Tonight” intrigues with spot-on electric guitar and a smooth rhythmic melody. Jazzy rock jam, “I Run Amiss” has a swing-like tempo and is heavily instrumental, while fun and fast-paced track “Goldmine” weaves in and out of dance-funk à la !!! (Chk Chk Chk).
Both “In The Jungle” and “Skulls and Phones” are lyrically and vocally jungle-like and tantalizing with alluring lyrics like, “Down her back/ Is where I laid my tracks” and mysterious talk of the wilderness at dark. Rumspringa manages to skillfully incorporate a classically hip-hop delivery of lyrics, “I know, I know / F’sho, f’sho,” over a blues club musical background rife with organ chords. Closing the album, “Minds Awake” has a groove-worthy eclectic maraca-sprinkled beat that confirms Rumspringa’s knack for instrumental fusion wielding awesome euphonious product.
Be sure to catch Rumspringa this Monday, June 30th at The Echo. Admission is 18+ and $7, but FREE for those over 21! For a listen to additional songs not included on this EP, hit up Rumspringa’s myspace.
Photo thanks to Gabe Ferrari via myspace.com/rumspringa
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