Chi-based experimentalists Bootleg Contraband unleash a poignant new LP, ‘Mars Colony’
Following their landmark debut effort, I/O, back in 2022, innovative Chicago experimental duo Bootleg Contraband have finally unleashed their second album, Mars Colony. The 12-track LP marks an exciting new chapter for the talented twosome, a stark departure from their previous work with the pair delving into raw sonic landscapes infused with elements of industrial, techno, and breakbeat.
Armed with a creative process that began amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, Mars Colony was subsequently intertwined with a poignant sense of authenticity, urgency, and reflection. Speaking of the album itself, Bootleg Contraband reveals:
“It is a testament to our commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new territories, both musically and thematically.“
Boasting rich, interwoven, eclectic timbres that culminate so effortlessly, Mars Colony will take you on an encompassing journey through various realms that stretch sonic reality. From its trippy synths and broken beat rhythms to its rumbling basslines and alien-like soundscapes, listeners will truly feel like they’re dancing on Mars!
Bootleg Contraband is a dynamic duo emerging from within the bustling dance music scene of Chicago. Their partnership ignited four years ago, fueled by a shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries and crafting innovative beats. From the outset, Bootleg Contraband wanted their music to be defined by experimentation and exploration. Their debut album, I/O, showcased their ability to seamlessly blend genres and defy traditional categorization. Now, Bootleg Contraband ventures into uncharted territory, delivering a raw and intense exploration of sound.
The name Bootleg Contraband embodies their rebellious spirit and commitment to challenging musical norms. It reflects the pair’s ethos of making music that disrupts the status quo and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the sonic realm. For Bootleg Contraband, creating music is an art form. With Mars Colony, the pair invite audiences to join them on an exhilarating musical journey, where the boundaries of sound are pushed to their limits and beyond. This one is an essential listen!
Bootleg Contraband – ‘Mars Colony’ LP
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Information seeker. Dog lover. PhD drop out. College professor by day, EDM photographer by night.