Cosmopolitics: Press

Ralph Nader is a player hater.

At least, that’s what Lawrence’s Cosmopolitics call the first track off their new album, Mental Hygiene. With this first track alone, the progressive rock/jazz fusion/funk band proves it’s here to provide fun, exciting grooves.

Prog rock isn’t an easy pill to swallow. Nor is jazz fusion. Marry the two with some funk licks, and you’ve got a brilliant ball of musical confusion. With 12 instrumental tracks averaging at least six minutes apiece, Cosmopolitics aren’t exactly looking to make converts to its style of music.

But for those seeking something different created by a group of highly talented musicians, Cosmopolitics deliver, as Mental Hygiene provides an entertaining eardrum adventure. Musical influences such as Rush, Yes, Umphrey’s McGee and King Crimson are evident, but Cosmopolitics’ cheerful, honest and unpretentious approach makes the music accessible and exciting.

Mental Hygiene, Cosmopolitics’ second album, includes older tracks from tours past, live favorites and new songs. One of the new numbers, “Robot Sex Junkie,” is possibly the funkiest track on the album. The song features a prominent bass undertone from Andy Kroeker and a masterful guitar sound from Matt Gader. This song, like many others on Mental Hygiene, holds the listener’s interest with varying grooves and head-turning rhythms from drummer Luke Stone.

“Random Acts of Vengeance” shows off the band’s atmospheric jam band side. The song starts out with guitar and bass arpeggios and an ambient keyboard riff from Ken Lovern. Each band member shows off his talents in this seven-minute-long song.

Cosmopolitics keep listeners bobbing their heads and dancing with a complicated formula of mixing lock-step melodies with time-signature changes and persistent, dynamic contrasts.



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