Specimen by Bug Toast

"This is a polished Portland band with influences from around the world. Topics ranging from Oedipus to reality television are examined through eclectic songs with unusual time signatures."

"Intelligent pop with a world music influence."

"An odd mix of instruments results in a pleasing sound from this band."

-- The Oregonian

Bug Toast plays from an extensive original repertoire that defies specific categorization. The five-member band features bouzouki, accordion, guitar, bass, percussion, violin, and vocals. The band is comprised of musicians from two families: two brothers, a father, a daughter and her husband. The age range provides a depth and variation of musical tastes and experiences. The whole group works on the arrangements, creating richly textured, interwoven pieces with careful attention to counterpoint, voicing, harmonies and rhythms. Bug Toast's influences include music from here and from other lands, such as Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Celtic cultures. Pop influences include King Crimson, Veda Hille, Frank Zappa, and The Beatles. "Specimens" is the full-length debut CD.

--from the album review at cdbaby.com

I'm (peripherally/slightly) aquainted with two of the band members. Good people. Great music. Blessings, Anhata