Monday, June 09, 2014

NEW RELEASES: UNDERGROUND SYSTEM - BELLA CIAO; BIXIGA 70 - OCUPAI; STOLEN IDOLS - MOONLIGHT OFFERINGS

UNDERGROUND SYSTEM - BELLA CIAO

An Afro Funk combo, but with a difference! The group's got a strong female vocal presence upfront, and also really knows how to build a tune – mixing together classic rhythms with some inventive keyboard and horn solos – surging strongly forward on "Bella Ciao", a 21st Century version of the kind of longform jam you'd hear on a vintage Fela album! "DON" is moodier and dubbier – almost a post-punk kind of take on Afro Funk – with dark elements in the background at many points, as if Martin Hannett was production! ~ Dusty Groove



BIXIGA 70 - OCUPAI

An Afro Funk combo from Brazil, but one who bring in a huge amount of different influences to their music as well – expanding their sound with a range of soulful colors that make this set even more compelling than their debut! In addition to some expected Brazilian elements, there's also strong flavors from different African and Caribbean scenes as well – often explored with the guitar lines and percussion – while the core tenor, trumpet, baritone, and trombone line forge out with a strong sense of pride. Flute comes into the mix at a few points, creating some slight lyrical interplay – and the whole album is instrumental, with titles that include "Tigre", "Ocupai", "5 Esquinas", Kriptonita", "Retirantes", and "Tangara". ~ Dusty Groove

STOLEN IDOLS - MOONLIGHT OFFERINGS

A contemporary exotica combo – but one who've really found their own sense of identity, and don't just replicate styles from the old days! The music here is wonderfully moody – forged with classic exotica instrumentation that's heavy on vibes and percussion, as well as piano from arranger Drew Farmer – and the tracks spin out with a deep understanding of later 20th century modes – not just in jazz, but other instrumental worlds – such as post-punk or post-rock – all of which seem to shimmer in the depths of the record somewhere. Way more compelling than just another retro rehash – especially if you like vibes as much as us – and titles include "The Kyoto Protocol", "Tonga Sunset", "Sao Paulo 64", "On Togna Shores", "Monkey Mayhem", and "Okavango". ~ Dusty Groove


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