Even if there wasn’t before, Michael Kossov and Leo Pisaq are the new Batman and Robin of experimental Indie Music. Powered by stellar musicianship and charismatic guest vocal appearances, the long-time pals’ second album together, “Deviations,” is anything but a transition to mediocrity. A combination of mellow soul and sometimes gritty, grungy alternative, the band also experiments with jazz, punk and electronica in “Deviations.” The result is a multi-faceted auditory experience that continually creep its way on to your iPod’s recently played playlist.
Often times duos lack the sound volume and depth to make your ears think. But within minutes, Kossov and Pisaq are able to turn you into a believer. Their sound is full. Their lyrics and instrumentals are sound. Mission accomplished.
The sonic offerings on “Deviations” are essentially like an all you can eat buffet. There’s something for everyone. The album’s title track starts off like the legendary Carpenters song, “Close to you,” but quickly becomes a more melodic rock instrumental that goes perfectly with a dimly lit room and a drink.
“Choices” will quickly remind many of ‘90s grunge powerhouse Bush, with a an emotional opening on guitar, but featured vocalist Joel Goguen changes things up with a moody then abruptly gritty chorus. This gives the song a more pissed off, The Fray, type of sound. The added elements of electronica and distortion add another layer in what is easily a standout song on the album.
“Southbound,†one of the few tracks not featuring a guest vocalist also possesses a largely rock base. The quick vocal track has elements of punk, but for the most part it’s just a rocking track that goes a long way in showcases the band’s diversity.
Although it’s obvious the band is better when the sound is mellow (“Lucid†and “Outcast†have this almost wavy feel to them.) the difference from track to track is a huge selling point for the album.
The sound experimentation continues with “Easy,” as guest vocalist Jessica Stuart has this Erykah Badu soul/jazz thing going on that doesn’t fit the rest of the album, but is definitely pleasing. Like “The Lost and Found” with Scott Carruthers on vocals, the band proves that they can mellow out just as much as they rock out.
With such a variety to their sound and unique collaborations, Aurganic is a band that’ll throw knuckleballs at your ears. But unlike many of the hurlers who throw the pitch, they’ll hit the strike zone far more often than they miss.
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