Mahogany Frog - In The Electric Universe (2021)

Mahogany Frog's 'In The Electric Universe' is the seventh studio album - and third on MoonJune Records - by Canadian instrumental electro-psychedelic outfit Mahogany Frog. Six years in the making, the recording illustrates a foray into forms of sonic searching previously unexamined by the group. Building from approaches in orchestration captured on their 2012 effort SENNA, the group aims to create infinitely morphing waves of sound that transcend conventional perceptions of instrumentation, while simultaneously offering melodic and rhythmic closure. Utilizing the gradual unfolding of themes, extensive repetition, textural layering and crunchy, downbeat-heavy grooves, the tunes invoke a listening experience that is trance-like and hypnotic. The extensive employment of synthesized arpeggiators, often detached from the rhythm and irresolute in tempo, generate warm and disorienting backdrops to otherwise approachable structures. Tape loops and tape delay are used experimentally, highlighting decay and fragmentation. The compositions serve as foundations for melodic layering, tonal examination and deconstruction, resulting in a dynamic and colorful collection of music rich in expression, playfulness and resolve.

Mahogany Frog is an instrumental electronic rock band from Winnipeg. The group is comprised of Graham Epp (guitar/keyboards/electronics/trumpet), Jesse Warkentin (guitar/keyboards/electronics), Scott Ellenberger (bass/keyboards/electronics/trumpet) and Andy Rudolph (drums/keyboards/electronics). The music draws influence from 60s psychedelia, 70s progressive/fusion, jazz, 50s exotica, electronica, and ambient/experimentalism. Utilizing extensive analogue/digital keyboards, feedback-ridden guitars, fuzz-bass and electronics, the group creates dynamic, multi-layered songs that explore tone, mood and composition. Mahogany Frog's unorthodox sounds and complex arrangements can challenge the ear, yet their haunting progressions and playful melodies are immediately approachable. Onstage the band performs furiously and at massive volumes, often connecting multiple songs together with interludes consisting of textured ambience. Over the past two decades Mahogany Frog has released seven records, written and performed numerous live scores, delivered high-profile performances at Pop Montreal, Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, Winnipeg Jazz Festival, WSO New Music Festival, JUNOfest, Prog Day (Chapel Hill, NC), Reeperbahn Festival (Hamburg, GER) and SESC (Sao Paulo, BZ), and shared the stage with notable artists such as The Flaming Lips, Caribou, Deerhoof, BADBADNOTGOOD, Venetian Snares, SUUNS, Besnard Lakes and Eric's Trip. Their 2012 release SENNA won Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2013 Western Canadian Music Awards, and was nominated in the same category at the 2014 JUNO Awards.