Philadelphia electronic jam band The Disco Biscuits (TDB) have always stood out to me as an original act since the day I was introduced to them. I have to admit I was not really into jam bands at the time they were brought to my attention, but thanks to a couple of jam band loving friends I was just intrigued with what I heard. They were indeed a jam band but their addition of electronics into the songs they played (also known as “trance-fusion” captured my attention fully and I was not the only one.
Over the years the band attracted a huge fan base and not only played all over he world from clubs to festivals but has also hosted their own festival known as Camp Bisco.
After my initial taste of TDB I remember immediately going out to pick up a couple of of their albums and even caught them live, twice at the Odeon (RIP) and once at Bonnaroo in 2006. For reasons unknown though I stopped listening to future releases by the band, that is, until now. Recently TDB released Planet Anthem an album that once again will be turning heads of many. This time around the band collaborated for the first time with other producers, songwriters, and musicians to push out a jam album full of indie rock, hip-hop, and electronical awesomeness. I can honestly say this as well – The Disco Biscuits have never sounded better.
Opening up the CD is “Loose Change” a song that was not speaking of extra quarters in your pockets. This song prepared me for the rest of the album with electronic heavy guitar playing and almost old school Daft Punk beats. “On Time” without a doubt will be making it’s way to the dance floors in 2010. This futuristic disco-ish song had me nodding my head in approval throughout. Comparable to something Dirty Vegas might have done this song had all of the elements to make the dance floor move and is best listened to at high volumes.
I felt as if I was listening to Radiohead when “Widgets” started playing especially when the shifting samples started. All I could think of was how similar it was to something that might be found on Kid A or Amnesiac yet the song held it’s own. I really enjoying the repetitious gentle singing that was implanted in my head throughout.
“You and I” was one of my favorite cuts on the album over the rest. Comparable to something The Faint might push out but with TDB flair, the song just overpowered the rest. Hearing this track confirmed that TDB tried something completely different and I must say, I approved.
The experimental jam of sorts “Konkrete” had a Middle Eastern feel techno feel to it. I just could not help but think of the Butthole Surfers during this track. Perhaps it was the monotone singing layered over the thumping bass and electronic noise. “Fish Out Of Water” shifted back to the older TDB I recalled with barely any electronics. WIth a catchy chorus and slick guitar playing the song was a fun jam to sit back and listen to.
The unsuspecting “Sweatbox” was like a Gorillaz meets Gnarls Barkley song on speed. This track was insanity at it’s finest with a mix of hip hop and rock and even some soul added in. I could not get enough of this track nor could I hardly believe TDB had something to do with it as it was completely out of their norm.
Following was “The City”, a more classic TDB singing style song mixed with indie rock. Think Kings Of Leon mixed with Phish…yes it is entirely possible. “Big Wrecking Ball” continued the indie rock feel sans the jam and made for a enjoyable song.
Being one of the first albums I have heard in 2010 I must say I was beyond impressed with what The Disco Biscuits dropped. They made a change in their sound on this album that took almost three years to complete and I personally think it is for the better. By doing so they have created a CD that will be attracting a lot of attention from new fans and old thanks to the array of genres mixed up in Planet Anthem.
DOWNLOAD THIS! – “On Time”
