Himiko Cloud was formed in a small town in Central Washington called Cashmere. They use loops, polyrhythms, heavy effects, and time signature changes to create a lush form of instrumental progressive music. Originally a duo, Kyle Folden (guitar) and Jake Henson (drums) have played shows around the Northwest together under this name for three years. With the addition of bassist Connor McKay in the fall of 2017, they are ready to take on the world.
Free Salamander Exhibit is a band based in Oakland, California, that much is not in dispute. Pretty much everything else is opinion and conjecture, including such propositions as the contention that FSE is the next phase in the evolution of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, being a new configuration of former members of that legendary band. Another contention is the description of their music as progressive rock, which is supported by the sometimes heavy sounds, but belied by the wide range of other sounds presented, many of which do not resemble rock at all. Another contention is that they are one of the most creative and consistently interesting bands in the world today.
Faun Fables began in 1998 as a collaboration between singer and songwriter Dawn McCarthy and Nils Frykdahl of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. Together, the duo has delved into a unique pan-cultural realm of magic and emotion, unbounded by the conventions of any genre or style.
Clearly Beloved is a gathering of five musicians, friends and storytellers. They write and orchestrate songs about fishermen; homesteaders; the feeling you get the moment before a shark attack; the flight of a carrier pigeon. Having at their disposal guitar, drums, bass, violins, marimbas, vocals, hand bells, toy piano, viola and glockenspiel, they are not opposed to using anvil and hammer, when the song calls for it. Nor are they opposed to dancing a tango with large paper mache dolls when required. They have not written about heartbreak, but do have songs about baking bread.
Hailing from the singularly vibrant musical hotbed known as Chicago, Cheer-Accident has been a creative, vital force in rock music for over 20 years. They constantly strive to surprise their audiences and themselves through relentless reinvention. From dreamy pop to angular art-rock, Cheer-Accident strikes a powerful balance between personalized and unique studio wizardry and the visceral excitement of a well-honed, explosive live rock band. Presenting itself in various configurations, the band’s core personnel is frequently augmented by some of Chicago’s finest musicians.
Cheer-Accident promotional photo
In 2022, Seaprog was happy to welcome the return of Cheer-Accident, one of the best known American art rock bands. The group has a history dating back to 1981, and has remained a consistently creative and innovative concern ever since. Their newest album at the time, Here Comes the Sunset, was their 24th full-length release.
Personnel:
Jeff Libersher — Guitar, vocals, trumpet, keyboards (2018, 2022)
Thymme Jones — Drums, vocals, piano, trumpet, noise (2018, 2022)
