“Inspiration is all the music that’s out there these days, wide variety. From great musicianship of Radiohead to simplicity of pop music like Phoenix, Franz Ferdinand to huge sounds of dub step. All new digital technology we recently introduced ourselves to – endless possibilities of soft synths (namely ZETA software), and how we could liven up earthy songs about weighty human emotions with modern beats. But also you can hear of our original inspirations like Pink Floyd and early Genesis. I think Progtronica is a suitable description…” – the band.

Including Ron Hippe on vox, keys and guitar; Jan Ciganik on guitar; Dennis McCoy on drums and vox; and Rick Hicklin on bass, Gumshen’s music is an exploration through sound weaving in and out of genres seamlessly.

Progtronica, their newest album, is an enchanting adventure through progressive rocktronica [infused with every other genre you’re familiar with] and will hook your curiosity immediately. You probably haven’t heard anything quite like this before.

Gumshen started in Seattle under the name Menthol James in the mid-2000s. Ciganik escaped a 1980s Communist Czechoslovakia and found success in the 90s grunge scene as part of the band Ventilator. He eventually met drummer McCoy and the others. After a few line up changes, Hippe found his way into the group.

After releasing a hard rock EP in 2007, they changed their name from Menthol James to Gumshen for no particular reason and released a grungy EP titled Stew.

Now bursting onto the scene with their newest masterpiece, Progtronica, the band sets the bar for any other group trying to cross genres – in one album – well, more like an EP. Gumshen takes us on an adventure through the modern and classic – through Hip Hop and pop – through progressive and electronic dance – in 6 songs.

Yeah, and I forgot to mention the country-folk-esque infused track Fine One To Talk which weaves in and out of rocktronic synths grooves and simple soulful acoustic like it was nobody’s business.

I’m effin impressed with Progtronica and I suggest you start keeping up with Gumshen immediately. Then go ahead and connect with the band on Facebook or Twitter.