PREMIERE: Echo Pearl Varsity – “MmmHmm”

Echo Pearl Varsity were our April artists of the month for a reason. Their jazz fusion meets post-rock compositions are radically fresh and inventive, standing out in a music scene where garage and indie typically reign. The band is back with a new single, a cover track actually, paying homage to one of their favorite new age electro-jazz musicians.

"MmmHmm" was originally done by Flying Lotus featuring Thundercat, coming from his highly touted 2010 album Cosmogramma. It’s the first single EPV will be releasing from an EP of cover tracks, due out in June before they out for their second west coast tour. A love and respect for FlyLo, the artists on his label Brainfeeder and a special adoration between EPV bassist Nolan Henderson and Thundercat were cited as reasons for choosing "MmmHmm" in particular, among other reasons.

"We chose this song to challenge ourselves, knowing it was a catchy track but surprisingly tricky to play," says saxophonist Levi Downey. "It took us about two months to get down, due to the deceptive melody super shredder bass-line. But, after some long arguments and rugged practice, it all came together."

Listen to "MmmHmm" below and be on the lookout for Echo Pearl Varsity’s next covers. You can see them live on May 19 at the Twilight Cafe with The Welkin Dim, Wake of Dark for the Hawking album release.