In anticipation of their new LP Quadropus, Santa Cruz's avant-jazz leaning Estradasphere created an audio and video CD press kit featuring half of the tracks from the new album. With just a brief listen to these five tracks, Estradasphere's incredible technical talent and diverse musical influences is clearly evident. Using a variety of instruments, the quintet comprised of John Whooley (saxophones, vocals), Jason Schimmel (guitars, banjo, vocals), Tim Smolens (upright & electric basses, vocals), Timb Harris (violin, trumpet, mandolin, vocals), and Dr. Quadropus (drums & percussion) create a cohesive unit that skillfully executes a wide array of styles.

The sampler's opening track, "King Krab Battle", is an over-the-top adventure suitable as a soundtrack to any crime-fighting adventure featuring exaggerated hand-to-hand combat. While "King Krab Battle" sheds light of Estradasphere's playful side, "Mekapses Yitonisa", a Greek traditional that translates to "Neighbor, what have you done to me?", displays their serious dedication to technical accuracy. Perhaps the most interesting of the tracks, however, is "Dubway". The track is entirely a cappella and the skills displayed would be the envy of any college a cappella group.

While five songs may not be enough to judge an entire album, the tracks provided by this sampler are more than enough to pique my interest in the third album from this group. And by including a track such as "Mekapses Yitonisa", Estradasphere makes it evident that their appeal isn't just due to a curiosity factor, but because of their musical ability.