Music Banter - View Single Post

innerspaceboy · 10-24-2017, 03:10 PM

All right. Latin funk? I'm ready; let's do this.

Initial thoughts - I'm digging the slow, laid-back groove of the opening track. If it stays this chill I could seriously ride this through.

The title track is heavy on the Latin. I was hoping for some horns, but my own tastes lean toward jazzy brass inflections of afrobeat rather than the more traditional funk groove of Afro-funk. The irksome element is that the Latin vibe dances a bit too close to the line of Puerto Rican reggaeton, and give me flashbacks to the nights I spent spinning at an inner city club. (Not fond memories.) But it's cool - the next track features more horns and the keeps the funk groove steady. I'm still with it.

The lack of vocals is a huge plus in my book. I far more readily acclimate to new-to-me instrumental music than to something with a verse-chorus-verse structure, so I'm enjoying this. Not the first thing I'd reach for, but I haven't taken it off yet either.

"African Battle" is intriguing both in title and in listening. The elements of this track are everything I dig about afro-funk. Solid horns, funky infectious rhythms, and incredible vitality. The energy is great on this one. If I had the choice I wouldn't mind hearing a few of the musicians attempt some improv soloing, but it's all good the way it is.

"Con El Brownout No Se Juega" has a strong traditional spirit about it. The vocals do not detract from the experience, and actually, add some rich dimension and soundstaging to open up the track. The psychedelic treatments of the guitar solo are a nice touch as well. The album succeeds in sounding authentically retro without feeling contrived or phony.

"Latin Asscape"'s dialed-down intro really grabs the listener's attention, and the organ segues to a lively collaboration between the percussion and horns. It reminds me that I definitely need more soulful organ music in my life. And the sax that comes in halfway through the selection definitely exhibits some jazz-inspired melodies. This track is a strong highlight of the record thus far.

The interplay of the instruments is spot-on all throughout the album. Each register has its own little scene and action going on, and the listener can ease back and explore the space or just let the cohesive whole wash over them. It's really enjoyable stuff.

"They Don't Know" is ultra-low key and heavy on the wet reverb. It's approaching dub territory here, and there is nothing wrong with that.

And then the pace picks back up full speed with "El Narco." The bass keeps it moving and the percussion is brought to the fore. A definite head-nodder.

The album closer, "Chafa Khan Artistry" is every ounce as funky as the preceding tracks and introduces some funky rhythmic vocal chants. The record is cohesive from start to finish and I really can't single out any duds here. A strong post-Blimp debut from these funky fellows, and an excellent addition to The Album Club!

9/10