Every once in a while an artist or album comes through my inbox that manages to completely satisfy my need for something refreshing, exciting, engaging and distinct.

Today, that honor goes to Super Squid and the new album Flow Diner.

Flow Diner is a genre-blending voyage through experimental, progressive, avant-garde rock which manages to infuse a healthy dose of Hip Hop aesthetics for a listening experience I doubt you’ve enjoyed prior to this.

Scottie B. Squid is a veteran musician who has played in a number of bands beginning in the 1980s. Originally from Louisiana, Squid is now in California and a co-founder of the Bay Area band Duct Tape Date.

Super Squid is more than just a name but a symbol of the music. Each tentacle represents a different style of music which is fused into these enthralling sonic tapestries. Playing multiple instruments, Scottie started Super Squid to release musical ideas without outside influence. Spending the majority of his time writing and recording at home, Super Squid also includes the talents of guest and hired musicians chosen by Scottie.

Flow Diner is the follow up to Temple of the Squid and explores the natural cycles of life in the context of a zero-sum game and how one navigates their existence while searching for balance and truth.

As if reading a novel, each song takes us through a series of encounters including topics such as mental health, poverty, a Cajun searching for boudin sausage in Northern California, and the realization of a man who finds happiness has been following him all along despite his never ending search to find it. (Sound familiar?)

Including a couple of bonus tracks, the album also includes a noteworthy creative touch. Circling back to the themes of nature and it’s cycles, each song samples vocals from the track that preceded it. Very groovy (in my opinion)!

If you enjoy rock with an experimental, avant-garde nature and seamless blending of genres, Flow Diner needs to be the next addition to your indie music collection.

Consider me a Super Squid fan from here on out. Now to take some time to go through the previous albums!

You can listen below or find Flow Diner on Bandcamp.