Music Reviews
Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr Boondigga & The Big BW
The DropFat Freddy’s Drop has already achieved rock star status in their native New Zealand and continues to attract large crowds throughout Europe. Now with their second full length release “Dr Boondigga and The Big BW”, the seven piece band aim for world wide recognition and based on this recording, they may be ready to pull it off. The band’s musical style is an amalgamation of reggae, dub, soul and funk and the musical acumen throughout the group is impressive considering that each member has played vital roles in various groups before merging into this band. The production and horn arrangements shine on the opening track, “Big BW”, a mid-tempo soulful number augmented by the falsetto voice of Joe Dukie, who blesses all remaining tunes as well. “Shiverman” is a ten minute jam session that starts off with a funky electric guitar riffs and features Hopepa on Trombone. “The Raft” is a reggae/dub number complete with a thumping bass line that would be just an average tune if it were performed by a lesser band. Instead the musicianship of this group and Dukie’s vocal abilities make this a bona fide winner. “The Camel” starts out with a wicked improvised electric guitar solo before settling into a funky mid-tempo groove that provides plenty of space for Joe Dukie and special guest Alice Russell to glide over. One listen of this cd will have you checking the FFD website for tour dates. As great as this record will sound coming through your speakers, the experience of hearing them live will cement your admiration for this talented band for years to come. Highly recommended.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 03/10
Felix Laband - Dark Days Exit
Compost RecordsLooking at this album sleeve I was really unsure what to expect: electro or some new wave gubbins but this is a down right beautiful album, which wipes the floor with all the 'lounge' style compilations that are currently flooding the market. Things kick off with the lovely 'Whistling In Tongues' and all you need to do is sit back and listen to the wonderful experimental sounds. Perfect listening for when you need to calm down when stuck in a traffic jam.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Fink - Biscuits for Breakfast
Ninja TuneAhhhh, if I were asked to review albums like this every day of every week I would truly be a contented soul. The blues has not be represented this strongly since Ernesto's 'A New Blues' album last year (Exceptional Records). Acoustic bliss with someone who actually knows how to produce his own album - precise imagery and colour make this a zero fatigue treat for the ears and a welcome relief for the speakers who have been missing John Martyn dearly. Nothing can quite replace the sound of musicians playing instruments in a rather overwhelming electronic world of jazz and soul music. 'Pretty Little Thing' opens the proceedings where you will find yourself settling back into the armchair for what becomes a wonderful and refreshing project. Fink touch all the rite spots with 'You Gotta Choose', 'Biscuits' and their re-work of 'All Cried Out' is a remarkable concept, highlighting a true experience for the listener and clearly identifying their writing skills. The Blues - but not a dead dog in sight! An amazing album.
Steve Williams, 11/06
Finn Peters - Butterflies
Accidental RecordsFinn Peters has been on the scene for a while but it was in 2006 he made his debut as a leader with the critically acclaimed “Su Ling”. With his second release “Butterflies” there are two noticeable differences. One is the reliance on his flute playing than on his sax playing. His tone on the flute is impressive and his compositions take these tunes to greater heights. The other difference is while “Su Ling” was more of an acoustic record, “Butterflies” has more of a classical vibe. The title track, "Butterflies", highlights Finn's engaging and spirited solo with guitarist Dave Okumu. “Atlas” is a brilliant composition that finds Finn on alto sax creating subtle harmonic images while drummer Tom Skinner is interactive with his every move. All selections here are rich in melody and the band approaches each song with passion and tenderness. This is simply another great release by Finn Peters that would be a welcome addition to your collection for those quiet moments.
Reg Dancy, 06/08
Flowriders - R.U.E.D.Y.
Mr BongoThere have an abundance of broken beat hits (and misses) this year. This is one of the hits that should have lots of staying power. In addition, there are a couple of highlights that stand out about the new Flowriders cd "R.U.E.D.Y". One is the live instrumentation that gives the music a fresh sound every time I play it. The other highlight is the guest vocalists such as Tanya Saw, Spoonface and the dynamic blue-eyed soul man himself, Colonel Red. On the cosmic "Looking Deep" the Colonel provides well placed background scats to complement the vocals of Tanya Saw. "I Think I Know" is a nice mid-tempo gem that is enhanced by the drum work by Richard Spaven (Mark De Clive Lowe, 4Hero). "President" is an energetic broken beat track with vocals by Spoonface, who on this track, sounds a little like Omar to me. "Visualize" also features Colonel Red and has a haunting deep groove that begs for the volume to be turned up. Chances are you feel compelled to do that the minute this track starts. Thanks to the tight production by Vincent Helbers (aka Flowriders), this disc will provide definite satisfaction to fans of the bruk beat, broken soul. Recommended.
Reg Dancy, 01/08
Flowriders - Starcraft
4Lux RecordingsWhat struck me when I first listened to this album was I couldn't quite believe this was their debut; it felt like they've been at this game for years. There are the big singles 'Different Spaces' and 'Pheromone' with not one of the other tracks can be called a filler, well maybe except the 'Interlude'. It's just tip top quality. Give this a listen when you're next on a record hunt, you'll be walking out of the shop with a copy.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
Warp RecordsFlying Lotus’s adventures in experimentation has made him one of the most sought after producers on the scene. His latest release, “Cosmogramma” will only add to that. Lotus skillfully meshes multiple sounds like classical, jazz and hip hop and adds assortment of multiple colors to them. The result is a disc filled with celestial arrangements that pushes the music deep into cyber space and the next thing you know you’re soaring right along with him. Among the highlights are “Intro of Cosmic Drama”, filled with kinetic synth arrangements. “MmmBmm” is a laidback space odyssey that features Thundercat on vocals and bass. “Do the Astral Plane” is a intergalactic cyber funk jam that is, like many of the tracks here too short but enjoyable nonetheless. Each track feels like an extended snippet, just as you’re getting deep into track it’s on the next one. However it’s a ride that you’ll certainly enjoy. “Cosmogramma” is a journey into the mind of Flying Lotus. It’s a trip to places you probably didn’t realize existed but you’re glad you traveled there.
Reg Dancy, 08/10
Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
Warp RecordsThere are a lot of beat makers on the scene today but few are putting out cutting edge music like Flying Lotus. His latest disc "Los Angeles" is a soulful psychedelic exploration of electronic soundscapes that stretch the boundaries of hip hop. There are certain tracks that stand out more than others but the truth is each track bands together like a suite. Some of the highlights include "Beginners Falafel", an atmospheric track with exotic synths. "Roberta Flack" is one of the few vocal tracks on the disc and it features the sultry voice of Dolly. Another vocal tune is the dreamy "Auntie's Lock/Infinitum" which features Laura Darlington, who was featured on his 2006 underground classic "1983". Flying Lotus has crafted an eclectic cinematic gem that displays his massive talents. This is one record where you'll just sit back, press play and enjoy the ride. This is a wonderful release by one of the premier producers in the game today.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Flyt - Soul Mentality
Futuristica MusicFrom the moment you start listening to “Free”, the opening track from Soul Mentality, you know you’re about to embark on peaceful journey of sublime soulful music. “Soul Mentality” is the debut of Mary and Joshua Mycroft, better known as Flyt. Together they've carved out eleven tracks that will transport you into soul heaven. Joshua handles the production and keys while Mary breathes life into every track. Among the delights, “Beautiful Love” is a lovely ethereal ballad and “The Journey’s Over” a soothing melodic groover. All in all a fine debut by FlyT and another winner for Futuristica.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Foreign Exchange - Leave It All Behind
Hard BoiledPhonte and Nicolay have the task of following up a classic in “Connected”. Four years after its release, I still can’t get enough of it. So how do they follow that up? They respond by delivering another winner that met my approval within minutes of the fist spin. Simply put, “Leave It All Behind” is a great record that meshes soul, hip-hop, electronica and immediately generates good vibes while marveling at the cohesion that exists among this group. On the opening track “Daykeeper”, you’re instantly drawn to the warm dreamy chords and the soulful beats. Phonte opens the track not rapping but singing in a soft tone while Muhsinah blesses the chorus with her dynamic vocals. “Take Off The Blues” is blissful soul sung by camp member Darrien Brockington. “If She Breaks Your Heart” provides more soulful melodies while Yahzarah provides her customary sweet soulful vocals. You may be a little disappointed that Phonte only raps on two tracks here but once you get past that, you’ll be rewarded with an inspired hip-hop soul banger that was definitely worth the wait. Phonte and Nicolay complement each other so well that you expect nothing less than the outstanding work that exists on this disc. Highly Recommended.
Reg Dancy, 11/08