photo by Zach Nichols; photo courtesy of Media Stew Public Relations

The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra – Earth Lift

Album Review of The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra: Earth Lift

image courtesy of Media Stew Public Relations

This album is a unique journey. The band itself is quite unusual, performing a brand of free-form, experimental jazz like one might expect from a progressive rock band utilizing orchestral instruments and unafraid of incorporating broad musical influences.

A most-interesting incarnation of The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra‘s sound at its free-formiest is the drum and strings-driven “The Demented Waltz,” which meanders and is occasionally infused with drum-driven energy. Another example of the group’s rambling style is on “Swara Kakali,” which is fun because the guitar and violin seem to be having a conversation throughout significant portions of the track.

Occasionally, you’ll find vocals in this collection, notably on “When the Levee Breaks,” which has a Rush “Tom Sawyer” vibe, though just a hint more psychedelic, befitting vocals reminiscent of a Robert Plant-Janis Joplin blend. Showing versatility, though, the vocals in “Poison” add authenticity to what can best be described as a psychedelic folk number.

photo by Zach Nichols; photo courtesy of Media Stew Public Relations

Those particular songs stand out within the collection primarily due to their variance from the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra’s central sound, that of free-from, experimental, orchestral jazz. If you like experimental music performed by talented musicians – if you like music unlike that you’re likely to hear elsewhere – then The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra’s Earth Lift is for you.

Looking Ahead

You can catch The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra live. The band’s next performance is Saturday, March 25th at Excelsior Brewing in Excelsior, MN. You can find all of the group’s upcoming performances as they’re added here on the “shows” page of the band’s website.