Yogoman Burning Band - City of Subdued Excitement CD (Self Released)

by Haylee Nighbert (What’s Up Magazine - June 2009)

Yogoman Burning Band’s newest release, City of Subdued Excitement, won’t dissapoint their live show fans. They decided to release something that glittered with live-show appeal and dripping with groove. It’s an album that holds true to their reputation as an uplifting, high-energy jam band with an album that jumps from big band, to reggae, to dancehall and back.

A keystone of Bellingham musical culture, Yogoman Burning Band’s style comes together to make a great summer relaxation album that can appeal to anybody. The band already represents the laid-back, fun-loving side to our city. They’re a great groove-and-dance band whose musical styling brings large, diverse crowds together.

The energy that this album exudes is palpable and makes use of the band’s live presence. The use of horns and percussion make the tracks pop, not to mention the gratuitous use of funky guitar riffs and ad-libbed vocal yowls. One track that definitely stands out from the others is “Slow Song.” It incorporates a measure of folk and blues by using sparse guitar and heavy vocals that almost make it into a prog-rock song. It’s the last track on the album, and one of a few examples that showcase the band’s ability to play a wide range of styles and genres.

YBB has an uncanny ability to mix and match, creating a brand of music that is all its own and makes people want to dance.

Check out their MySpace

Purchase their CD from Bell-Tone Records.