Browse by Artist: SHALABI EFFECT

Artist:	SHALABI EFFECT
Title:
Label:	ALIEN8 RECORDINGS (CANADA)
Format:	2CD
Price:	$15.00
Catalog #:	ALIEN 022CD

"Originally slated for release as the flip side of a split CD/LP with Godspeed You Black Emperor entitled Aural Florida, this release just kept growing and growing. Now finally finished, the Shalabi Effect present their debut with a staggering 131 minutes psychedelic blow out. On this debut double CD somewhere in the vicinity of 40 instruments have made their way onto the recording. It is very difficult to describe Shalabi Effect, because the sound is varied and changing so frequently, but we can definitely trace influences of AMM, Organum, and Pink Floyd, and psychedelic music. In terms of psych, we are talking about the brand perfected by the likes of Acid Mothers Temple, No Neck Blues Band and Ghost, as well as more pioneering projects such as Amon Duul, Popul Vuh, and the Taj Mahal Travellers. Anthony Seck, Sam Shalabi, Alexandre St.Onge, and Will Eizlini are joined by various guests, including members of Godspeed You Black Emperor and Strawberry, filling in on violin, vocals, Tibetan bowls and sax. Together they blend middle eastern influenced folk with spacey electronics and really beautiful trippy guitars. The overall experience is incredible; sounds and styles change drastically and seamlessly, bringing you to a new place with each new movement."

Artist:	SHALABI EFFECT
Title:	The Trial Of St-Orange
Label:	ALIEN8 RECORDINGS (CANADA)
Format:	CD
Price:	$13.00
Catalog #:	ALIEN 032CD

"Shalabi Effect is made up of Sam Shalabi [Molasses, trio w/ David Kristian and St-Onge, Detention] on electronics, guitar, prepared guitar and oud, Anthony Seck on electronics, guitar and moog, Alexandre St-Onge [Et Sans, Undo] on electronics and upright bass and Will Eizlini on percussion. The sound on the Trial of Saint-Orange is incredibly rich in texture and boasts a very organic feel. This is psychedelic music done in a way that is incredibly rare these days; the band is more about creating lush texture than rocking out. A good comparison would be the more ethereal side of the Acid Mothers Temple, the La Novia recording in particular. There also seems to be influence drawn from the style of horror/drama soundtracks conducted by Ennio Morricone and much of the accompanying music to Argento's more memorable films. This is most notable in the recording's closing epic piece, which has a duration of over 20 minutes."

Artist:	SHALABI EFFECT
Title:	Pink Abyss
Label:	ALIEN8 RECORDINGS (CANADA)
Format:	CD
Price:	$13.00
Catalog #:	ALIEN 042CD

"Shalabi Effect refer their latest effort, Pink Abyss, as their 'pop record' -- an apt description in comparison to their two previous releases. While Pink Abyss retains elements of those efforts, there is decidedly more emphasis placed on melody on this release, with more use of vocals and more prominence given to the guitar. Without a doubt, it is Shalabi Effect's most rocking effort thus far, featuring impeccable musicianship and a brilliant and powerful recording quality that will blow away the band's loyal following. Some highlights on Pink Abyss include 'Bright Guilty World' (track 2), which features beautifully seductive vocal work of Elizabeth Anka Vajagic who will be releasing a long-awaited solo record on Constellation early next year. This piece moves along gently at a slow patter, with an unusual combination of cracked electronics, guitar and jazz-styled percussion giving it a very cinematic feel. The somber chanting on 'I Believe in Love' (track 5) lends a deep eeriness to the piece, also bearing a certain resemblance to the outsider folk that is booming in the United States of late. Another absolute gem is the über-poppy 'Blue Sunshine' (track 4), featuring a beautiful guest appearance from Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene and Do Make Say Think on trumpet. This track recalls the over-the-top sensibility that seems to have informed many seventies TV show theme songs or the hits of Burt Bacharach. The closing piece, 'The Kinder Surprise,' has a very gentle, ambient feel and could blend in on a release from the Boards of Canada or Mogwai."

Artist:	SHALABI EFFECT
Title:	Unfortunately
Label:	ALIEN8 RECORDINGS (CANADA)
Format:	CD
Price:	$10.00
Catalog #:	ALIEN 061CD

"Shalabi Effect is the most difficult band to characterize in Montreal's vibrant music scene. Since their inception in the late '90s, the band, consisting of Sam Shalabi, Alexandre St. Onge, Anthony Seck and Will Eizlini, has managed to keep their sound fresh and exciting. They rarely play previously released material and they never repeat themselves live, giving each performance an unpredictable edge. This fourth and latest offering was recorded over three consecutive evenings during the band's recent residency at the Montreal Arts Interculturels institute in Montreal, Quebec. The band practiced throughout the day and recorded each evening's performance in front of a live audience. They then harvested a selection of the best material to create an album of unbelievable improv. The result is a record that truly represents the band's appetite for experimentation and their desire to keep things interesting for their loyal following as well as for themselves."

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