The album opens with a clear statement of intent, setting the mood for what to expect from the next forty minutes. Continuous live drum rolls pave the way for wah-wah guitars and a vivid horn section to introduce the core riff, one that supports the numerous improvisations that follow.
THIS IS THE ONE! (raison d’être) captures the raw, organic quality of a band in a flow state. You can imagine them or even hear them them jamming, experimenting with themes until they find the perfect riff, locking into it until they completely own it. Repetition does the trick in such cases. But when it’s showtime, the instruments engage in a genuine musical dialogue. The skilled solos work entirely for the collective team rather than individual players trying to win a race. At the core of each track lies that solid steady groove driven by intriguing basslines and dynamic beats.
“Sammy’s Bump” stands out as a personal favorite. Beyond its enigmatic bassline and cinematic playfulness, the track perfectly distills the album’s emotional core. This isn’t just a fusion blend in strict musical terms, but a blend in a much more abstract way.
Listening the album from start to finish allows you to fully appreciate the journey but the album’s true spirit would be best captured in a specific setting. This belongs in a sweaty underground venue, not a posh, exclusive jazz club, but a community-driven space where everyone is welcome and different cultures blend together. Being a pure instrumental work, might pose a challenge for some, definitely not for us. And the improvisations themselves sound masterfully skilled, only a true, accomplished musician could fully grasp the years of practice and dedication required to reach this level of instrumental command.
Yet, the LP never sacrifices melody for technicality. A perfect example is “that’s the thing, man,” which paradoxically sounds too like a slowed-down solo but functions also, brilliantly, as a main theme. The album flirts heavily with psychedelia, particularly during the slower tempos where the groove morphs into a trippy soundscape capable of transporting you to places you’ve never been. And these psych moments contrast beautifully with the upbeat funk, full of positivity parts, adding superb variety to the record.
Speaking of variety, you can even hear acid synth bass layers mixed with the organic warmth of a piano. It is a confident statement from artists who have absolutely nothing to prove and feel zero fear about incorporating whatever sounds move them. By the time the finale arrives, the listener is left with the album’s most experimental piece, a track with an atmosphere which feels ready-made for the big screen.
Who is this for? This the the one for anyone who prefers their music gritty, unpolished, and full of life.
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