The Shpongletron Experience is truly unique. But, some may ask, what exactly is it?
Critics, fans and casual listeners alike have a difficult time pinpointing exactly what Shpongletron is all about.
United Kingdom-based DJ and producer Simon Posford, a member of Shpongle, described the group’s genre as “difficult listening.”
“(It’s) a multi-dimensional hieroglyphic holographic hallucination, eclectic and fun with influences from all over this planet, as well as other universes,” Posford said.
The Shpongle DJ Set will be performing at the McDonald Theatre this Wednesday, and the experience will be one of a kind — not only because of the undefinable, genre-less style of music, but because of Shpongle’s promises to yield spectacular visuals.
The Shpongletron Experience was created as a visual expression of the group’s auditory performance.
The concert will include a colorful 18-foot structure that will tower over the stage and blast music; dancers will be on the platforms of the structure using LED Hula-Hoops and glowing art forms, and virtually projected will be the iconic six-foot Shpongle Mask.
“We wanted to make a visually stunning psychedelic show that works without the whole band and complements the sound,” Posford said. “In fact, it enhances it into delicious sensory overload.”
Shpongle originated in the U.K. after Posford and musical partner Raja Rama spent what he calls a “mind-altering” weekend at the Glastonbury Festivals in 1993.
“We wanted to make something that wasn’t necessarily for the dance floor, but could be listened to on the drive home, watching the sunrise or tripping out on a good pair of headphones,” Posford said.
The group’s first track, “Vapour Rumours,” was released in 1996, and two years later came its first full-length album “Are You Shpongled?”
According to NME.com, the name Shpongle, which they point out is not a dictionary-recognized word, is an umbrella term for “feeling positive and euphoric emotions.”
Shpongle’s music also combines psychedelic trance with influences from Eastern instrument samples.
The Shpongletron Experience tour will begin tomorrow in Reno and will showcase music from the band’s new EP, “The God Particle,” as well a compilation of music from its decade-long musical career.
According to Posford, University students will find the Shpongletron Experience more exciting than finding out “you got straight A’s in all your exams whilst napping.”
“(It’s) a sonic extravaganza that will transport you for a few hours into a parallel universe where lectures, deadlines and examinations don’t exist,” Posford said. “Only love, beauty and fun.”
[email protected]
‘Shpongle presents The Shpongletron Experience’ with Random Rab
Where: McDonald Theatre
When: Wednesday, April 13, 8 p.m.
Cost: $18 advance, $22 at the door
Genre-defying British music group brings Shpongletron Experience to Eugene
Daily Emerald
April 9, 2011
More to Discover