Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra
Established back in 2006, the 20-something-piece Berlin-based Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra (AMEO) is definitely a musical force to be reckoned with. Unlike your average large ensemble, AMEO has created a whole new and genre-bending musical language that quite literally "dwarfs anything heretofore experienced" (Neue Zürcher Zeitung). With a penchant for experimentation this group of self-organized, like-minded and in-demand musicians, hailing from various countries and just as diverse musical backgrounds, already has three acclaimed albums to its name and a reputation for wildly fun and highly combustible live shows.
Adding to their bold and multicoloured supersonic repertoire will be their forthcoming fourth album "Vula", finally set to be released on July 7th via the Notwist-affiliated imprint Alien Transistor on CD and 2LP, after what turned out to be quite a long and winding almost five-year process: "It has its own distinct sound and features some of our most heavily played material over the last years. In comparison to our last two albums, there are more harmonic and melodic elements to it, but also a frenzied and urgent energy that keeps pushing throughout this one-hour ride", says the group.
Earlier this week, our fellow tastemakers from XLR8R premiered the track "J Schleia"*, gifting us a sensational first taste of what's to come: The 11-minute track kicks off with an upbeat overture of woodwind-driven flirtation, taking on a more ethereal form as time keeps ticking and strings join in the springtime flourish, then shifting gears yet again as a smoothly operating saxophone explores afrobeat-inspired terrain before regrouping and shining another light on the many musical roads just travelled. And that's only up to about the 5-minute mark. That being said, we believe you need to hear this track with you very own ears. Download it here or listen in the player above. 'nuff said.
*This would in no way be referencing the versatile Johannes Schleiermacher of the wonderful Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers now would it?
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