Melodic and atmospheric sounds from Gang Colours – fragile and tuneful material that’s somewhat of a surprise from the Brownswood label! I guess we shouldn't really think of what Gang Colours does here as that much of a departure for the label, given their unpredictable oeuvre is never all that easy to pigeonhole, yet it still caught us off guard – in the best kind of way. Piano and synth float over intermittently spare and busier beats, vocals and textural waves of sound. What really sets it apart is the mood – we don't want to call it somber, but it's definitely got a haunting feel! Includes "Heavy Petting", "Forgive Me?", "To Repel Ghosts", "Pebble Dash", "Tissues & Fivers", "Botley In Bloom", "Fancy Restaurant", "On Compton Bay", "Rollo's Ivory Tale" and more.
A group with a great blend of old and new modes – a mix of rootsy sounds from their native Mali, and some more focused guitar lines that really help revolutionize their music! The notes bill Alkibar Gignor as a "garage rock band" – and while we think that's a bit of a stretch, as there's not that much rock in their music, there is a nicely gritty style of production that really helps them keep their edge – a slightly muddy mode that's a great contrast from some of the "too clean" Mali recordings out there in recent years! The vocals get distorted at times, and the guitar workouts almost verge on fuzz – even though they spin out in clear lines that are much more Malian than Anglo – and the drums have a bumping quality under the vocal interplay, bringing an unexpected vibe to the record. Titles include "Adounia", "Lahidou", "Aniya", "Adibara", "Tamala", and "Dakou".
The first solo set from funky soul songbird Fanny Franklin – and it's a great one! Fanny was the original singer for Orgone and she's been an in-demand voice for a few years now – collaborating with contemporary and legendary figures from Shawn Lee to Dennis Coffey – so it was about time she stepped out front, right? Right! The best part is that she's doing it on her own terms. Classic funk & soul-inspired songcraft, played with a youthful and modern spirit, by excellent musicians. We've loved her voice since we first heard her with Orgone, so to find out now that she also has the goods as a songwriter and primary creative engine, that feels like a total win! Tracks include "Rivers", "Get Wet", "Gasoline", "Good Stuff", "Pushin", "My World", "Open Your Eyes", "All The Pretty Girls", "Dug Up", "Yes You Do" and "Keep On Runnin".
Dusty Groove
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