INFECTIOUS ORGANISMS: Human Experience

Infectious Organisms

Human Experience

© 2002 I.O. Inc. (656613378427)

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Live Experimental Hip-Hop to change your life

tracks

1 Autobiography
2 Hall St.
3 To Give
4 Genesis
5 City Limits
6 Medelling Cartel
7 Comfort in the Swell
8 1984
9 One
10 Beautiful World
11 30 Seconds on Earth

notes

Through conscious poetic rhymes and live instrumentation, infectious organisms strives to breathe creativity and energy into the stagnant materialistic world of hip-hop.

Originally formed in 1996 in Richmond, Virginia, infectious has spent their time cultivating their sound and building their legion of devoted fans into an army of infected beat heads.

Infectious has that special combination: a band capable of blowing out a room live while equally skilled as producers in the studio.

The group consists of MCs Felton Martin and Jean Kouame supported by bassist Dave Sunderland, brothers Will and Brooke Blair on drums and guitar respectively, and pianist Mike Mathews.

After selling 5,000 copies of their independently released self-titled debut, infectious spent the last year in the studio crafting a follow up capable of advancing the sound that has become their trademark: groove orientated instrumentation with rappers tight enough to crush coal into diamonds.

Human Experience is the result of the last year.

Eleven tracks fusing a virtuoso backing band with lyrics preaching awareness and intelligence.

The album culls the myriad influences of each member resulting in an ambitious work with sure-fire radio hits like "Hall St." and "Medelling Cartel" interwoven into meditative ambient tracks like "Comfort in the Swell."

reviews

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  • Oh Hell No!!!
    author: B.Jones

    Call it love at first listen. These cats are simply amazing.

  • need to check out their first cd
    author: SkyNet

    first cd is way better in my opinion but not to put this one down in any case. It's available for download on emusic I think.

  • The legacy of what should have been a legacy
    author: anon

    First, if anyone knows why Infectious Organisms broke up could you post it to the site? I think many of us need closure. Infectious Organisms were in their element on stage. People were converts after a few songs at a show. And just look at how many people are still crying out for this band to re-group. I've never witnessed anything like it for a band that never had a label. That being said, I'm not sure this CD captured their ethereal and passionate live show, but it's the closest thing that is around (to my knowledge?) to getting a small taste of what it was like. Human Experience was over produced (less raw) then the orginal live show, and mixed somewhat poorly (the drums are flat and too loud, guitar to low). However, this is a must own CD. It's one of the finest examples of atmosphereic rap... great lyrics, great music. It's the only album I know of with the band's final line-up. They could have really shaped and influenced music had they just given it a few more years.

  • author: I Thought Y'all Should Read This

    After two laborious years spent in the studio tweaking and whipping their second album, Human Experience (which is slated for February), into sonic shape, about the only thing Infectious Organisms needs to worry about is that their name may conjure uneasiness in ’fraidy-cat Americans. But the only bio-warfare the six Philly transplants are guilty of is spreading gorgeous, lush music like it was a communicable germ. Formed in 1996, the group, which consists of four instrumentalists and two songwriter/MCs, has shared the stage with Amel Larrieux, Outkast, Run DMC and Everlast to name a few. Late last year, they moved here from Richmond, Va. The early buzz on their upcoming release calls it hip-hop’s answer to Radiohead’s Kid A. With earnest and meditative tag-time, narrative rhyming and guitar crescendos, their musical composition is as beautifully unpredictable (think U2’s Unforgettable Fire blended with drum syncopation, and add ambient keys) as a color spectrum visible in bubbles of otherwise-unfortunate petrol spillage. Suffice to say, Infectious ain’t no jizoke. Infectious Organisms' innovative melodies and rhythms meshed with tenacious lyrics provided concert-goers untainted music in an intimate setting at Mainstreet Bar and Grill Tuesday night. The band's passion matched the concordant sounds and light and dark textures of the music, unequivocally representing what a concert should be. Infectious Organisms brought out all the stops to entertain the crowd. From the consistent crowd involvement to emcee Jean Kouame crowd surfing, Infectious Organisms pulled off a memorable set. Prior to the concert, members of Infectious Organisms introduced the show by stating, "Our show will bring energy and fluidity to the crowd." This intensity and fluidity transcended the group and captivated and enthralled the crowd. The show exhibited that Infectious Organisms is beginning to accumulate a cult-like following. Mainstreet was brimming with fans taken in by a live show that captured their souls as they moved in sync with the band. The music took the crowd to a place not bound by stereotypes and genre with a fusion of diverse elements spanning the musical spectrum. Incorporating elements from hip-hop to classical music and soul to indie rock, Infectious Organisms is a group that is ready to explode. Junior Jacquie Mauer, attending her 14th Infectious Organisms show at Mainstreet, echoed this sentiment. "They never cease to amaze me," Mauer said. "They are constantly evolving and get to my heart with their positive message that gives me a constant reminder on how to live my life. All together they are going to be a force." The fire of Infectious Organisms was evident from front to end in the concert. The concert began with "Medelling Cartel" and "Hall St. Cinema," two vigorous tracks off of its new CD Human Experience, available in stores Feb. 26. An incredible segue was created by a beautiful song, "Comfort in the Swell." This completely instrumental track gave emcees Felton Martin and Kouame a brief intermission. The musical talents of guitarist Brooke Blair, drummer Will Blair, bassist Dave Sunderland and pianist Mike Matthews were completely on display. Their diffusive melodies also gave fans a brief introduction to the four members' side project, an improv band called Craig. Matthews mixed in some humor when he came out after the band left the stage momentarily and played a rendition of Linkin Park's "In the End," complete with vocals. The hilarious version of the song by Matthews made the crowd laugh. After the playful jab at pop music, emcees Martin and Kouame again pleased the crowd with an immaculate performance of "One" that had everyone in the crowd bouncing and singing along. Senior Jen Mullen called it "organic hip-hop that kept the crowd engaged." Infectious Organisms' performance concluded with a poignant statement in the song "30 Seconds On Earth." Their transitions were seamless and their melodies incredible. The message illuminated, "Sometimes I'm scared that I'm too young to die/It's only human to cry/Sometimes I wonder why the days come before the months do/And when tomorrow confronts you would you be the one to let it pass on by?" After exiting the stage, Infectious Organisms clearly had left the crowd wanting more. "We want to go as far as we can go and still have fun," Kouame said. The band appears to be on its way to reaching that goal. Infectious Organisms formed in Richmond and began making music in 1996. The current composition of the band came about approximately three and a half years ago. More information on the band can be found at its Web site, www.infectiousorganisms.com. The band will play this Friday, Feb. 1 at Baylees in Blacksburg with a return to Harrisonburg likely in the future. Will Blair said, "The JMU area was one of the first places we played outside of Richmond and has been very supportive." Kouame summed up their music. "There is a different fireplace in each of us and the music comes from the heart." That fire was burning bright on stage as these future stars depicted the essence of music Infectious Organism. Definition: An individual form of life, such as a plant or animal, that can easily or readily communicate. This definition is not enough to describe the conscious poeticism played over live instrumentation of the underground hip-hop group, Infectious Organisms. The Richmond, Virginia based underground hip-hop group consists of Dave Sunderland on Bass, Mike Mathews on Piano, Brooke Blair on Guitar and Will Blair on Drums. Altogether they seamlessly fuse jazz and funk with hip-hop to create musical beats that any street poet would be happy to rap to. And in fact, two gifted MCs, Felton Martin and Jean Babtiste, do in fact harmoniously bless the incredibly soothing backbeats. Although Organisms has spawned a new breed of bohemian-chilled rap music, only a few listeners of hip-hop have been lucky enough to hear their indulgent medium. This is true of underground music in general. For an underground hip-hop group such as Infectious Organisms, their exposure is rarely noticed under the success of commercial rappers these days. You usually see underground groups like them opening for acts not any larger than themselves. Even though it does not seem like a lot to the average pop music listener, about 5000 copies of their 1999 independently released self-titled debut album have been sold. Recognition of the group has increased with every opening Organisms performs for groups such as Medeski, Martin and Wood, The Roots, Blackstar, and Outkast, to name a few. The group's ability to stay un-jaded by their modest performances and profits has been enough for them to follow up their debut album with a second album, released three weeks ago. Their second album, entitled Human Experience, maintains Infectious Organisms's trademark jazz-funk-hip-hop sound. The group works under the theme of women and men and their daily interactions and is therefore mostly a compilation of songs revolving around love and compassion. Whether they are describing the love for hip-hop or describing the overcoming lives of misguided women in their lives, MCs Babtiste and Martin paint vivid details of each. At one point Babtiste flows, "daddy's little girl running through the streets/ followed by a dark cloud / everybody's got a price / and she's marked down," explaining how the transformation of a young child to a woman has led her to lower standards. This type of poetic imagery linked with underlying messages, is littered like New Year's confetti on this album. The track "City Limits" is another example of Infectious Organisms's ability to go in- depth into certain aspects of life under the scope of "the city. " A line in this particular track, "And everyone wants to break bread / and get ahead / but when the sun comes up, somebody always lays dead" shows that the neglect of consumerism is depicted by the never-ending death that goes on in the city, yet there are the resources to prevent it. Infectious Organisms's ability to put forth incredibly conscious lyrics is the core of their music. If that wasn't enough, Infectious Organisms's purely organic sound is a out of body experience. The important track to mention is "Comfort in the Swell," a complete instrumental done by Infectious Organisms that displays their solo ability to create great sounding and relaxing jazz and hip hop fusion. It uses some soft-sounding chimes to bring in the track, and slowly adds a varied guitar picking and medium-paced hip-hop backbeat. This is the making of an incredible interlude to the album and a track that could be played over and over at spoken word joints all over. Infectious Organisms has made its living on paying royalties to the subscribers of "true" hip-hop culture. The Richmond, Virginia hip-hop group has started playing together in 1996 to the fans who were truly more involved with the politics and cleverness of hip hop culture. Organisms's choice to start with smaller venues has created a dedicated fan base that has an incredible potential to expand. This is a must for any hip-hop enthusiast and is for any believer that chill music with ill poetry can be fused together to instruct thousands.

  • taste like chicken
    author: eric stank

    infectious, better then you cause they actually think outside the box, talk about dope hip-hop

  • Beautiful Hip Hop
    author: ECLev

    Hip Hop fan since the early days, and have never heard hip hop that came close to this. This is truly a one of a kind CD. I love it.

  • author: AD

    Their first cd was pretty tight, but this just steps it up. I've never heard anything more unique or inspiring. From its live music to its very talented MCs, it just flows together completely. Get your hands on this album, and maybe we can resurect them!!!

  • author: christian

    this cd brings the perfect blend of hip hop jazz and groovy instrumental that the underground needs more of in the hope that one day the commercial scene will eventually embrace it

  • Luscious
    author: Zachkun

    Truly abfab disc indeed.........a buddy put some of it on a blank tape for me a few years ago (off their first album I imagine...), and I've been looking for it ever since...aural orgasm if there ever was one, still wiping up the earjism...

  • Get ready to be infected....
    author: Alen B.

    This is the album to listen to. This CD is an emotional roller coaster that will uplift you and at times put you down. I had a privilege to see them at Radford University in VA. Live instruments and the lyrics can be matched by only few groups/MCs out there which I can honestly count on my five fingers. I have tried to obtain their first self-titled CD but the only thing I was able to find was online downloads. If anyone has any info of how to get the original CD besides driving down to the CD stores in Richmond, VA please let me know in your review. Also you can check out Atmosphere(not here though since they are with a label). They are pretty tight too... Peace 1

  • aint no better they got that "style" the best eva 1 love
    author: big j-eze

    The cd is bomb much love aint non betta i feel them on this one they got that flow that is foreva down 1 love

  • I was infected!
    author: Megs

    This CD was one of my favorites, I was glad to get a new copy as my old one is all scratched and overplayed. I used to go to the live shows in the 'burg when I lived in VA, it is too bad this talent fell apart, I would still make trips out of my way to see them live again.

  • author: PZA

    That album is so good as best Roots songs, you can listen this album with your women, even when she doesn't like hip hop beacause it is not just hip hop.I don't know what it is but is fresh and i will listen thic album over and over heeh

  • the tracks are what we need more of in this game!!!!!!!!!
    author: Mr.Preech

    ????????? do you ever get to Maryland B-more link up www.mrpreech@yahoo.com

  • A little originality - at last!
    author: KC

    THis cd is for every one - hip hop lyrical flow, but like no other "hip hop" artists! The music is sensual, at times haunting, incorporating differents sounds and instruments. This album can't quite be confined to one genre - it's just awesome. Great music to play in the background for the sound, or focus on to soak up the socially concious lyrics.

  • author: CD Baby

    If you like hip-hop but are bored with the soundalikes, check out this organic LIVE hip-hop (yes - with real instruments played live in a room by real people!) It's creative, experimental, interesting, and a great listen. A huge variety of great sound with rappers tight enough to crush coal into diamonds.

  • I love this band. I've hung out with them in VA and the music is hypnotic! what
    author: Cream Shah, CreamShahPRO/Street Fam ENT

    Infectious is a band that should be signed to the majors for the worldwide exposure because they are a breath of fresh air from all the murder music thats so intense. I know the members from VA and the've been in the grind for a while.The cd runs right beside Coldplay radiohead music

  • You are STUPID if dont like this !
    author: ogbobbyjohnson

    This CD is absolutely a must have. The Hip Hop / Jazz fusin is remarkable, let alone the content being on point. This group is a MUST HAVE / MUST SEE !!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Conceptually, musically, lyrically cohesive for an almost flawless album.
    author: Rob Goszkowski

    Anyone who does not appreciate this album is a philastine, pure and simple. There are no singles on this album, it has to appreciated in its entirety. From beginning to end this album draws you in and leads you through the thoughts and emotions of the emcees. The album is conceptually solid. The music and lyrics are one on this album. The band's minimalist approach shows dramatic growth and maturity from their previous album and the ambience they create throughout the album is one of struggle, sadness, and hope. The fact that this band broke up is a friggin tragedy. At least I got to see 'em once . . .

  • Get lost in this CD
    author: The Truth

    This is a pretty good CD - never heard of them and bought it based off of reviews. Glad I got it - a couple of tracks they seem to be trying too hard with the lyrics but other than that its pretty good - kinda like a more psychodelic version of the Roots - by the way, its great to get high to.

  • This is pretty tizzle my nizzle
    author: SI

    Yeah, you guys are tight. I like your rap styles and independence from the industry. Overall pretty tight. If ya wanna hear me, I'm at www.cdbaby.com/si . Peace....SI

  • author: Capion

    keep up the good work . im feelin the vibe your putting out.. check me out on cd baby ... search for CAPION~

  • Great album
    author: Theory

    The album is very good. These guys are actually saying something. The only thing its missing is the energy of their live show.

  • B+/B
    author: Recordbreakin.com

    I never saw these guys live so I can't comment on that but I must say the album is good. Real good. The music is the first thing I notice about a group, then the vocals. The music is on point but I need a few more listens to really feel the vocals. I think they are good they just need to be a little more polished.

  • Simply put: A Beautiful Album
    author: MD Fresh HipHop Luva

    This album was a very enjoyable surprise. There's not a single track I (or others) don't enjoy. Great, intelligent lyrics, combined with very mature and impressive musicianship. Once you start the album, you have to finish it. Everyone who i've played it for has totally digged the sounds. These guys have a very original sound and know where to take hiphop, and i'm definitely going to be following. Now I only wish they'd re-release their first album! I want more!!

  • Conscientious lyrics + live band = hip hop for the headphones
    author: Mark

    This isn't your regular b$$ty shakin' club joint to shake your butt to. Instead, this cd is strictly designed to shake up your soul. It's the kind of music that one plays on those long drives to nowhere...on those late, late nights spent on introspection...If you're in the mood for conscientious lyrics, real instruments playing real music, then Infectious Organisms is the perfect sound for you.

  • Refresh your mind
    author: Sam

    "Human Experience" is more than hip-hop; it is a cultivated mediation on living in a harsh world. With images and sounds that range from the sublimely abstract to the soulfully concrete, Infectious Organisms will surely challenge your definition of hip-hop with their passionate work on this record. This is a band, not an MC and a click track, and its every shimmer of color is just as important as the intensely poetic and stylishly-delivered lyrics; every sound has something to say. It's not a question of whether or not they will speak to you; it's a question of how. Regardless, you will find your head rocking and your mind engaged from the opening hits to the final echoes of this album.

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