Baby Guru is, once again, all over the board. Their new album, Marginalia, released in March via Inner Ear, is a collection of songs whose wildly diverse inspirations are apparent, with songs so distinctly different from one another, yet songs that flow together to create a coherent and unique album. What they lack in reasoning, they make up for in creativity on a record that takes the listener on a strange and interesting journey.
Baby Guru is, in their own words, “an ever evolving musical organism conceived by three childhood friends, in a basement, at the end of 2009.” A very unique band, the musicians rely on “unexpected spontaneity” and blend a combination of “kraut rock,” psychedelic music and African percussion to create a sound unlike any other.
Marginalia seems to draw inspiration from every type of music under the sun – and then some. Songs like “Marginalia” and “Turtle Hearts” are very modern-day Beatles, with Ringo-like drums and multiple clear, harmonizing vocals. David Bowie seems to have had a hand in inspiring spacey songs such as “Explain” and “We Need Some Space.” Baby Guru’s far-reaching influences are apparent in the almost Celtic-sounding electronic beat, “Exegesis” and the tribal sound of “Most of the Times.” No two songs are similar, and it makes for fascinating experience.
While every song is wildly different, the album as a whole is very synth- and keyboard- driven, creating an upbeat, indie-pop sound. It is fun and wild and different. While at first listen, it may seem a bit random and out-there, after a few times hearing the album, it certainly grows on you. The three members of the band, Prins Obi, King Elephant and Sir Kosmiche not only wrote the entire album, but recorded and produced it themselves, and in a world where most artists don’t even write their own songs, you’ve got to respect the band that can do it all.
Plus, there’s a groovy video to go along with the track, “Especially When,” that is incredibly entertaining. Featuring kaleidoscope shots of the band and a beautiful woman in a muscle car, the song makes you want to get up and dance. And maybe take a shot or two with a stranger in a leather jacket. It’s dangerous and psychedelic and very cool.
This consciousness-expanding album is open minded, fun, and certainly worth the listen.