Review Revue: 17 Pygmies - Jedda by the Sea

I assumed when I pulled out this record by 17 Pygmies that this would be one of those bands who released a DJ-beloved album or two in the '80s and then quietly dissolved, leaving almost no trace to survive into this Internet age of ours. How wrong I was! It turns out this band - originally a Savage Republic offshoot - is still very much a going concern, creating what sounds like some incredibly ambitious music with the support of fans. Check them out on Facebook, Soundcloud, even PledgeMusic.

It looks like I have some catching up to do, which will start with this very record. If KCMU DJs circa 1984 are to be trusted (and if they're not, then who is?), then this sounds like a disc worth spending some time with.

"Neo-psychedelic music, sounds at times like Siouxsie. Lots of instrumentals, female vocals."

"Cool & original."

"Swell. Swell stuff really."

"Neato-cool."

"Way great. I'll take these folks over the Cocteau Twins any day. I suppose now someone will say they don't sound at all like them, but at times they do."

"Greg, I doubt either bands are offering themselves for you to take. But these guys R swell."

"Huh?"

"I'm ecstatic over this! I'd like to play it every show it's so good."