Award-winning San Diego-based alternative prog-rock outfit Sluka releases their new album, Figure It Out.
Produced by Grammy-winner Alan Sanderson, and recorded at Pacific Beat Recording Studio, the title track hit the DRT Rock Chart, as well as collecting more than 1 million views on YouTube. While “Happy in Your World” debuted at number eleven on the College Radio Chart.
Renowned for their largescale music, impressive music videos, and thoughtful lyricism, Sluka probes the essence of human existence, blending post-punk, alt-rock, indie-rock, prog-rock, classical, and rococo pop savors into plush sonic potions. Sluka was voted Best Band of San Diego for the second year in a row by The San Diego Reader.
Sluka is made up of Christopher Sluka (guitars, vocals), Anna Eppink (bass, vocals), Michael Bedard (drums), Nico Hueso (viola, violin), Erdix Maxhelaku (cello), Jordan Morita (trombone), and Brad Steinwehe (trumpet).
Embracing nine tracks, the album opens with the title track, traveling on majestic, classical flavors flowing into an electrifying melody riding a potent rhythm, a sparkling piano, and glowing brass accents. Akin to Queen’s cinematic suffusions, the song shifts, ebbs, and rises on luxurious leitmotifs. Sluka’s tenor imbues the lyrics with commanding timbres.
Entry points include “Shout Out,” featuring glittering coloration, and powerful guitar inflections, while Sluka’s vocals soar overhead. Big and melodramatic, the tune combines lush textures and crunching percussion into an attention-grabbing song.
“Vye on Vyattav” rolls out on swanky synths atop rumbling drums. At once dark and luminous, the melody streams out layers of enticing hues as blended vocals provide striking, elaborate flavors. “The Runner” merges dark-wave textures with coruscating washes of heavy tones into an edgy sound.
The final track, “Happy in Your World,” opens on an elegant piano, graceful and tender. Sumptuous vocals give the song a tasty, mysterious feel. As the music elevates, taking on resonance, mounting vocals give the song posh textures.
Figure It Out offers the elaborate complexity of splendid layering, enticing rhythms, and the arresting vocals of Christopher Sluka.
