THEY ARE: Mombasa Code:  Ray Palmer, guitar, keyboard, cello, mandolin; Cindy Palmer, percussion; Jennifer Lewis, percussion; Paul Lewis, didgeridoo, jaw harp, trumpet; Steve Lewis, bass, guitar; Eddy Vasquez, saxophone, guitar, flute

THE SOUND: Trippy, eclectic world music blended with jazz

THEIR WORDS: “We try to be as unique as possible.” — Ray Palmer. “Five out of six of us are visual artists, so the creativity aspect is at the forefront. We kind of mix art with our music.” — Jennifer Lewis.

THEIR RECORDS: An Inch Away (2004); By Any Means Necessary (2005); Out of the Game (April 2007)

WHERE TO SEE THEM: Mombasa Code usually skips clubs to play benefits and art openings. They also have provided the music for Slab Cinema's screenings of silent movies such as the 1928 version of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Metropolis” at the Cameo Theatre and La Tuna Slab. In June, the Code plays an art opening at Salon Mijangos and a benefit for the Circle School at White Rabbit.

THE WEB: mombasacode.com, myspace.com/mombasacode

THE 210 TAKE: Mombasa Code's experimental sound comes from setting down a “catchy, interesting groove” and then having the soloists improv over it, which means the songs are different every time they're performed, Ray Palmer said. Their early work was more aboriginal and tribal with an emphasis on bells and drums. The just-released Out of the Game moves toward the contemporary with the addition of digital samples and a more produced sound. It can be dreamlike, it can be carnival-esque, it can sound like a movie soundtrack. Whatever it is, it's pretty cool.
 
Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor