Here Comes The Son

Ryan Lott is the real name of the musical character known as Son Lux. He was born in Colorado in 1979 and spent his youth moving with his family from city to city. He started playing classical piano at the ripe old age of six and went on to pick up the guitar and drums. His interests spread to jazz and pop and he studied composition and piano at Indiana University. Ryan began composing music for various dance companies.

He eventually took the name Son Lux and started a solo career creating ethereal, dark but listenable music. His debut album At War with Walls and Mazes was released in 2008. The music reminds me a bit of early Genesis and Radiohead and he could easily be part of the 4 A.D stable of musicians. It’s percussive and sparse and unsettling at times, and his voice isn’t for everyone. But the music of Son Lux is certainly unique. And that’s a good thing.

Got Cimbalom?

The group Cimbaliband is the true definition of World Music. Members of the band include Hungarians, a Serbian, Gypsy, Germans, and a Croatian. Their music is a mixture of Gypsy, Hungarian folk, and jazz, all combined in an energetic amalgam that makes you want to grab a partner and dance. The lead instrument in the group is the cimbalom, which is the Gypsy equivalent of a hammered dulcimer. I didn’t find much information about the band other than the fact that they are based in Budapest, Hungary. I think they’d make the ultimate wedding band!

Modern Math

The band Mute Math, (also know as MUTEMATH and MuteMath) features the strong vocals of Paul Meany. He was as singer in a Christian rock band and formed a bond with drummer/programmer Darren King. They established a long distance musical relationship, exchanging CDRs until they finally agreed to move to New Orleans and form a real band. Their music borrows from the indie-rock past and is somewhat reminiscent of Radiohead, Coldplay, and a cadre of other groups. Their songs are catchy without being commercial. Another group that I can’t figure out why they're not more popular.