Last month, the jam scene’s funk favorites, Lettuce, released a new EP, titled Mt. Crushmore. While still holding down their exclusivity and unique take on the genre, it is largely more background music than it is dance fuel like we’ve seen from full albums like Rage and Fly.
The likely reason for this is that the 7-track EP contains tracks that didn’t make the cut for “Crush,” (Crush…Mt. Crushmore…you get it). Although it’s not to say these tracks are sub-par by any means. They still demonstrate the band’s ability to lay down groovable tracks, but with perhaps a more hip-hop feel. Many of the tracks would add powerful, yet sophisticated instrumentals for a progressive lyricist.
Mt. Crushmore starts off with its title track and what is hands-down the most epic sounding piece to date. Adam Deitch’s rhythmic drumming combined with Eric Bloom’s authoritative trumpet alarm could be the soundtrack to a military march – if that army was ascending upon enemy territory on an alien planet. A choir of female vocals only adds to the celestial impression.
Other female vocals appear later in the album but with full-on lyrics, a feature that is atypical for Lettuce. “The Love You Left Behind” featuring Alecia Chakour is a nice mix of funk and gospel music to keep you interested.
The EP includes “’Lude, Pt. 5” and “’Lude, Pt. 6,” two quick tracks that sound like intros or filler music. They are a continuation of the series that began on the previous album, “Crush.”
In “116th St.” Erick “Jesus” Coomes drops the signature Lettuce bass thud, the foundation and appeal of their sound. “Ransome” also brings the beloved funk, with a quick rhythm making it the dance tune of the EP.
Listeners should keep in mind that “Mt. Crushmore” is not an album, but an EP, short for “extended play.” And that’s exactly what it feels like – an extension of “Crush.” Absolutely worth a listen if you enjoy Lettuce, but would be largely underwhelming as a standalone album compared to the rest of their catalog.
Key Tracks: Mt. Crushmore, Ransome, The Love You Left Behind
NYS Music: So you’re getting ready to kick off the Sounds Like a Party Tour, which is jam-packed with dates and riding high on how well Crush has been received. How are you feeling?
Jesus: He’s coming for EV-ERY-THING bro. He’s going to be crushing this whole tour!
Catskill Chill
Thurday, July 14 was pleasantly welcoming upon arrival compared to the tediousness of last year. The security lines moved much more quickly both on and off site, and the shuttle system ran smoothly. Once inside, campers had a plethora of events to choose from. Beginning promptly at 10AM, a yoga class at the Above the Waves stage kicked off the weekend’s bevy of Wellness programs. A Festival Fuel seminar followed at noon, a talk that gave information as to which food would best combine portability, nutrition, and ease of preparation; extremely useful for any frequent festival goer. It seemed that Bisco was aiming to make its patrons not only headier, but healthier, this time around.
Bisco veterans Orchard Lounge kick started the Friday festivities on July 15 with some filthy deep house beats. Being their 9th appearance at the festival, the trio floored the crowd with a qualified style. Thundercat continued to electrify the main stage at 4PM with a sophisticated brand of jazz-fusion that only bassist Stephen Bruner can deliver. Lettuce ensued, though seemed lacking in the wake of such intense technical musicianship as the Thundercat brought. 7PM rang in the Disco Biscuits first set of the evening. Humidity wasn’t the only reason for a high moisture level, as guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig slid into the opening bars of “Jamilia” with a sensuality that made the ladies blush. “Park Ave.” completed the segment, as Bisco classic “Caterpillars” brought us into an inverted arrangement of “Mulberry’s Dream”. The band seemed to struggle through “Feeling Twisted”, as bassist Marc Brownstein took off his five string and clumsily muddled around on his less mastered instrument, the mini-synth. The conclusion of “Caterpillar” rounded out the set.
Saturday July 16 was chalk full o’ fan favorites, starting with Tom Hamilton’s American Babies at 1PM. Ott grooved next, bidding a warm farewell and asking everyone to stick around for the Biscuits’ day set to follow. Rolling out another classic cover, the Biscuits pulled the pin with “Pygmy Twylyte”. Next was an inverted version of “Humuhumunukunukuapua’a” which they recently played during the Bisco Inferno run in Denver, CO. Decidedly matching the sunny mood, the Grateful Dead’s “Viola Lee Blues” continued the cover trend. The segment continued with a stunning “Shelby Rose”, leaving many first timers with an apprehensive grin. “Little Betty Boop” concluded the first in the trilogy of Biscuits sets. The crowd seemed excited for Jewish rap superstar Lil Dicky, AKA Leftward Slopping Penis, but expectations were crushed for the first 15 minutes of the 6PM set, as there was an alarmingly obnoxious “hype” man screaming into a microphone and making air horn noises from behind a turntable. Lil Dick came out at a seemingly random moment and performed none of his well known comedic songs, instead going back and forth with an unknown rapper in perverse and simpleminded rhyme.
Although, most of the other acts on the program could easily be considered headliners themselves; Dopapod, Phuturprimitive, Lettuce, Orchard Lounge, Thundercat, Lil Dicky aka Firm Handshake, the list goes on. In addition to the kickinest lineup of the summer, Color Wars will return for its new and improved 11th installment, which will feature full reign of the state of the art water park at Montage. Hosted and judged by Wes Hall and the lovely Amanda Rivera, the brand new events will incorporate every amenity that the Mountain has to offer to an eager Color Warrior.
Once the children had their fill of silliness to hold them over until after nap time, the rest of the spectacular and diverse schedule of music, events and workshops started to unfold. Next up in Healey Hall was the 
