A couple of years back, we were introduced to the sounds of The Opus, who consist of Chicago-based producers Kevin Johnson (Mr. Echoes) and Aaron Smith (The Isle of Weight). Their eclectic electronic sounds, which have that dark edge of trip-hop had us so open, we had to do giveaway to help spread their sounds. The Opus are like a soundtrack to your life in mood.

Continuing with the vermin inspired works, their new maxi-single is entitled, The March of the Termites, a 4-track auditory submission of sounds. The title track is uptempo, with an interesting spin of horns and drums giving us a Latin flare in a pulse/march-like way – hence the title. The Opus’ sound is so theatrical that your mind often wonders into a fitting scene to match the music.

These guys are super talented. Check out “R.C.T.” below, then head over to their Bandcamp page to get a copy (naming your price!).

The Opus can also be found at www.theopusonline.com. And again, the incredible artwork is by Albane Simon.

Last month, we shared this wonderful group The Opus from Chicago, where their EP Praying Mantis was available for free download (read piece here). The album has now been released and includes a five additional tunes that weren’t available on the EP. Muphoric Sounds were able to get their hands on limited edition copies of the CD, where the album cover delves further with their praying mantis, a world that has become desolate and overcome by the attack of grasshoppers. The artwork is by Albane. Visit their site to view more of their work www.albane.ultra-book.com.

The Opus has given us and additional copy of the Plus Edition for giveaway! To win a copy, send an email to contests at muphoricsounds dot com, by June 8, 2010 for a random drawing. You will be notified via email, if you are the winner! (We dislike spam as much as you do; your contact information will never be sold or rented, in compliance with US Spam Laws.) So get yourself in it, to win it, and share the word with your friends.

Check out “Constellation Nine” below and then enter to win at contests at muphoricsounds dot com!

“Constellation Nine”

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It’s not everyday you run in to an album and it becomes the perfect soundtrack to whatever it is that you’re doing. That is the brilliance behind The Opus and their latest EP, Praying Mantis. Their production can be described as instrumental downtempo, experimental, hip-hop, with the dark cynicism of trip-hop. The Opus consists of Mr. Echoes and The Isle of Weight, who both hail from Chicago. Having worked with many artists who embrace their dark sound, such as Earatik Statik, Pigeon John, I Self Devine (From the Micronots), Aesop Rock, Murs, Slug (from the group Atmosphere), conformists, they are not (check out the cover art for the EP – which was designed by Albane Simon). Their main collaboration has been with the group Rubberoom, where they toured with an explosive stage performance matched with solid beats. Combining their eerie and hypnotic sound, which is reminiscent of Massive Attack, but with a hip hop flare, it is definitely refreshing to hear a group like The Opus.

Listen to a couple of tunes below and let us know your thoughts on this group. Their music is like a journey; you have to stay the course. You can download the EP from their bandcamp page, here.

“Serpent’s Fruit”

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“Divorced”

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