Basic Soul

Hailing from Melbourne, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra return with their long awaited sophomore lp. Over the last decade they’ve established themselves as a formidable group in the Afrobeat arena largely from their mesmerizing live performances. They pull no punches right from the start with the uplifting yet fiery “No Passport”. “Fight So Hard” is a mellow extended tune brimming with soulful sax and lively percussion. The title track “Naming & Blaming” rides a slow burning groove that also features MC One Sixth and singer Lamine Sonko. The band’s strong opinions regarding politics and social justice are wrapped around hypnotic grooves and infectious rhythms. It’s a lethal combination that makes them one of the premier ensembles on the scene today paying proper respect to the Afrobeat culture.

Steve Spacek explores mellow cosmic funk with his second official solo release “Natural Sci Fi”. The initial stages of production for this lp began in 2005 but it was put on hold while he worked on various projects. Since then Spacek has added a few wrinkles, notably the appearance of rapper Oddisee and vocalist Natalie Slade. Oddisee’s effortless flow fits seamlessly on “Take Ova” while the title track is long spacious laid back funk. It’s a bit disappointing there’s only eight tracks but at least it ends on a high note. “Plain Site” is a dreamy tune where Slade’s soulful vocals mesh beautifully with Spacek’s signature falsetto over a slinky funky groove. A solid release that will leave you wanting more but will satisfy you nonetheless.

Melbourne’s fertile music scene is the gift that keeps on giving. The Putbacks have been around for a minute but this is their first proper release. Produced by Paul Bender (Hiatus Kaiyote) their self-titled debut is filled with delicious 70s flavored acid soul funk and heavy guitar rhythms. “The Ways” is dark psychedelic funk that meshes perfectly with the raspy soulful vocals of Bilal. “Hold On” is slinky instrumental organ grinding funk with hypnotic chords. “No Man No” is a mellow groove with heavenly strings courtesy of Miquel Atwood Ferguson that channels early Charles Stepney recordings. Each of the sixteen tracks here packs a punch and serves up uncompromising gritty funk just the way we like it. After backing Emma Donovan a few years back they’re ready to take center stage. If you like 70s groups like the Meters and early Stax recordings then you’re gonna love this.

Alder Ego is a quartet formed by Helsinki based drummer Joonas Leppanen. Leppanen and his Finnish bandmates demonstrate a fluid rapport right out the gate on “Leviathan”. Leppanen’s splashy cymbals create colorful soundscapes for Ilkka Uksila’s melodic vibes. Together they leave plenty of space for trumpeter Tomi Nikku and Saxophonist Jarno Tikka to stretch out. Uksila’s soft vibes massage the gorgeous soloing from Nikku on “Flight”. “Solitude” is another where Nikku and Tikka’s soloing dance around Teemu Akerblom’s subtle bass licks. This band doesn’t break any new ground but they excel with the freedom of superb compositions from Leppanen. As great as this recording sounds I bet they’re even better live. Now that would be a treat.

Over the past fifteen years If Music’s label head Jean Claude has built a well deserved reputation by securing quality obsure vinyl recordings. His latest “You Need This World Jazz Grooves” is no exception as he joins forces with fellow record collector Victor Kiswell. Kiswell has traveled the world in search of rare gems and returned with some quality gems here. Among the highlights are the spoken words of Billy Bang Survival Ensemble on “Illustration”. “Timbuktu” is a infectious jazz tune brimming with explosive horns and percussion from Dutch Clarinet/Composer Theo Loevendie Consort. “Itwenty Five” is a tender ballad from atloist South African exile Joe Malinga. Jean Claude has delivered yet another impressive compilation. As the compilation title says, “You Need This”!

Sally Rodgers and Steve Jones better known as A Man Called Adam return with their long awaited new release entitled “Farmarama”. Like their previous releases “The Apple” and “Duende” their compositions embrace the Balearic sound we’ve come to expect from them. Their passion for an assortment of genres from disco to pop and house come into play here with impressive results. Evidence lies in the opener “Mountains and Waterfalls”. This tropical dance track is filled with catchy loops and samples layered over an infectious percussion and horn riffs. The title track is a post-disco boogie tune with a thumping bass groove and a melody to lose yourself in. “Paul Valery at the Disco” features futuristic synths wrapped around a hypnotic groove that’s bound to take you on a psychedelic trip. An engaging record that’s filled with blissful as well as reflective moments. Rodgers and Jones emotive beats and rhythms will keep your head nodding from one track to the next.