(Afrobeat, Reggae, Funk, Ska) Eufórquestra (Euforquestra) - Soup - 2009, MP3, 192 kbps

Originally from Iowa City, IA, Eufórquestra (pronounced: yoo • FOHR • keh • struh, think Euphoria+Orchestra) relocated to Fort Collins, CO in August 2008 and has made a splash on the Colorado music scene with a relentless tour schedule and a live show that leaves feet tired and hearts and minds happy. The band is known for their diverse sound and eclectic repertoire, covering a number of traditional and progressive sounds ranging from (but not limited to) reggae, dub, afrobeat and samba to ska, highlife, funk and jazz.
In October 2009 the band released Soup, a collection of 11 tracks that captures the band at new heights in terms of songwriting, energy and production. In an effort to spread the album far and wide as an independent artist, the band has decided to give the album away for free online at www.euforquestra.com. With over 2,000 downloads in its first month the word is spreading!
”Soup”, the latest album from Eufórquestra captures a band at peak performance in terms of songwriting, musicianship and energy. The album features 11 tracks (10 songs and 1 dub remix) that showcase how the group's songwriting/arranging skills have grown in the last three and a half years. In classic Eufórquestra fashion, “Soup” jumps seamlessly between genres, creating a diverse but cohesive ride for the listener. Long time fans will enjoy a well-produced batch of many of their favorite songs, while new listeners will have stumbled upon one of the most eclectic and musically competent bands on the scene today.
A word of advice: this album may inspire you to grab the nearest person and kiss them. Really – it’s difficult to restrain yourself. It just makes you so damn happy.
Euforquestra’s fusion of reggae, funk, jazz, afrobeat, and latin rhythm appeal works wonderfully, and they’ve created an album that flows effortlessly from track to track. I popped it into my CD player a few days ago and have had it on repeat ever since.
Soup’s upbeat energy proves irresistible, effortlessly blending diverse styles of music that were destined to live under one harmonic roof. From the first track to the last, the album drips rhythm that’ll seep under your fingernails and creep into your brain. You won’t be able to stop moving, be it tapping fingers or toes or jumping on the nearest table and shakin’ it.
Songs such as “Called You” and “Cause a Reaction” boast a tangible reggae vibe permeated with different flavors of rhythms and beats, some afro-Cuban in texture, some jazzy. “Melody Truck” is my favorite track on the album, exuding a funk-licious wah-wah groove and colored with a lively chorus of horns.
These guys have obviously worked hard, drawn from many styles of music and put together an album that I think everybody can find something in. They’ve earned the highest honor a lowly music writer can bestow upon them – a perfect rating. I’ll be happily kissing strangers and jumping on tables until their next installment.

Mike Tallman--Guitar
Matt Grundstad--Percussion
Adam Grosso--Drumset
Ben Soltau--Bass
Ryan Jeter--Tenor Saxophone
Austin Zaletel--Alto Saxophone
(The saxophones are collectively known as The Stank Horns)