Our annual Summer Stars series features a variety of groups making the rounds on the festival circuit. Today we feature Zoogma. We’ve also checked in with Foxygen, The Flaming Lips, Allen Stone, Lord Huron, Shovels & Rope, Passion Pit, John Scofield, The Lumineers, Futurebirds, Tea Leaf Green and moe..

At first listen, Zoogma’s songs sound both simplistic and repetitious: upbeat electronic melodies with sampled lyrics from hip-hop songs. Yet, after a second listen, the complexities reveal themselves. Zoogma’s tunes are involved, layered mixes of guitars, synthesizers, bass and drums juxtaposed with live sequencing, provided by both drummer Matt Harris and guitarist Brock Bowling. With their fusion of electronica, rock, jazz and hip-hop, Zoogma attract a wide range of listeners.

“We have fans who listen to everything from Rage Against the Machine and Tool to Medeski Martin & Wood,” says bassist Ryan Nall. While Zoogma’s music touches on both jazz and hip-hop, their jamband influences are readily apparent, particularly in songs like “Ayers Rock,” where guitarist Justin Hasting delivers Umphrey’s McGee-like riffs. (Zoogma opened for Umphrey’s in Atlanta last year and describe their performance as “the most memorable show of the past year.” ) While the light shows at Zoogma’s concerts are an integral part of their performances and add to the celestial vibe of the proceedings, the band describes them as “icing on the cake.”

If Zoogma’s material on their 2010 album Recreational Vehicles consisted of tracks lasting as long as eight minutes, then their newer material finds the band changing up their formula.

“Pretty much every song four years ago was a jam,” says Nall. “Now, we’re experimenting with shorter songs. We’re recording and mixing right now for our new album, which we tentatively plan to release in August. Expect to hear songs from our new album later this summer.” *

Album for a Hot Summer Night: Galactic, Coolin’ Off

Summer Drink: Vegas Bomb (Crown Royal whiskey, coconut rum, peach schnapps and Red Bull)

Festival Stops: Summer Camp, Bella, Mente, Wakarusa, Camp Bisco, Global Dance, Camp Barefoot, more.