Mystics Anonymous
Winsted in the Space Room
© 2004 Soul Reflect Music (634479036040)
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Eclectic, lo-fi indie rock. Edgy, rhythmic, melodic, experimental, and intelligent.
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This is independent music at its best - free, unfettered, willing to go anywhere and do anything.
On the latest Mystics Anonymous CD, Jeff Steblea continues his predilection for exploring different musical styles. Just as he explored a loose, rootsy sound on the debut CD, Winsted in the Space Room finds him focusing on lo-fi studio experimentation and tighter song structures. While the debut CD featured the virtuoso and improvisational talents of Jeff's guest musicians, Winsted instead concentrates on the compositions themselves.
Creating this CD mostly alone in his Gondwanaland studio, Steblea turns in an edgy, unique performance steeped in indie aesthetic. Winsted in the Space Room also showcases the eclectic nature of Mystics Anonymous music, as it mixes spoken word, piano, Beatles-esque pop, electronica, hard rock, and funky faux lounge and jazz-inflected grooves. Reviewers have compared the music on this album to artists such as Yo La Tengo, Wilco, Guided by Voices, and Robyn Hitchcock.
Steblea released the first Mystics Anonymous CD, focusing on a rootsy alternative sound, in October of 1998. Two more CDs followed: a limited edition mail-order CD called The Brutality of Beauty, and Middle Distance, an instrumental score for the 2003 art exhibition Of the Earth, which blended sound manipulation, drumming/percussion, and groove rhythms to evoke the vast American southwestern landscape.
Mystics Anonymous music has garnered college, public, and commercial radio airplay in the United States and abroad. With each new release, the project has earned a reputation for its fierce independence and adventurous eclecticism. "With Mystics," says Steblea, "the whole point was to establish a project where nothing is off-limits." Although Mystics has an eclectic nature, Steblea's distinctive voice and songwriting skill are the glue that holds Mystics together and keeps its sound unique.
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crazy mix tape
author: winetasterJeff makes an album like a crazy mix tape, and that makes sense because he also makes crazy mix tapes. His arcane and extensive knowledge of music is on full display here, and it's clear that he simply cannot contain his own enthusiasm as he hops from genre to genre. I especially enjoy how he goes "out there," but then brings it right back to something you can sing along or groove to. This is my favorite Mystics Anonymous CD.
I'm Really Impressed
author: JPI'm really impressed by the variety of styles on the Mystics disc. I like track 10 the best, the soft pop/harmonica diddy ... I also had to laugh at how you followed up that stark piano track with a breezy funk rhythm ... good stuff!
right on, mate!
author: mickThis is fine music of a sort rarely heard anymore. Actual music that sounds underground and intelligent, not the crappy pap that seems to abound on the airwaves and music television of today. This is a band I can get behind. Cheers!
winsted is best album yet
author: Sarah in BrooklynI just checked out Winsted in the Space Room and I have to say that I think this is Mystic's best work. It shows a lot of depth, maturity and some amazing experimentation. 'Networking' 'lady divine' and 'imperfections' really stand out but all in all the whole album is really tight. (jeff's vocal range can also be appreciated more here.) high recommendation!
Groovy Winsted!
author: Mr. PhippsI have all Mystic's releases - except 'Brutality of Beauty' which I somehow missed, and they're all a blast to hear. Some real moving stuff, along with a good dose of humour. Congrats Mr. Steblea!
DEE-vine
author: Groovy CheeseGreat CD. My favorite songs so far are the Leather groove and the punky Lady Divine.
good
author: SMits good. my favorite song is imperfections because its funny.
great
author: rdkgreat warm production and an excellent set of eclectic songs, with good grooves and some beatles-influenced pop. vocals are strong and mesmerizing.