The Phunk Junkeez make a triumphant return with this sampler of what to expect from their upcoming new full length. After parting ways with Interscope the group has gotten back to what they do best, unrestricted hooky groove laden hip hop with live instrumentation. Take one part Kottonmouth Kings, a dash of 2 Skinnee J's a teaspoon of Dislocated Styles and a cup of funk and you will have something that resembles the Junkeez's latest release "Junk EP". Vocals are swift with fleet footed rhymes and stylish tones that accentuate the funk flavored music the group serves by the pound on this CD. Gone are the days when there was a more rapcore/alternative vibe, and instead it is replaced with straight forward hip hop rhymes and raps which are deep rooted in the story telling lyric tradition of styles like early Slick Rick. Lyrics have never been tighter, with dexterous raps and a slightly dramatic vocal tone that can almost sound like quotes from the characters throughout the lyrical stories, Soulman greatly enhances the overall experience and builds upon the already thick instrumental sound. Guitars are fairly light and funk flavored for the most part, belting out elaborately constructed funk riffs that erupt into distorted wails through choruses and other more dynamically diverse elements. Where most guitarists hide behind a wah pedal, the Junkeez instead go for grooved out fast paced strumming and staccato note hits that end up stapling themselves to the song structure always keeping the ear entertained and making for a very organic sound. Bass is tuned to a moderate tone plowing through the low end duties while providing some nice subwoofer rattling material. The bass throughout the tracks is fairly constant with catchy riffs that fit superbly with the songs, consistently booming throughout the verses and taking the odd break to let the vocals go it a round alone, which in turn adds positively as a whole to the structure of the groups material. Drums are impressive with break beat styled heavy kick drum snare work that pumps like pistons behind the dense wall of sound the group creates. A pleasing tuning and progressive rolls coupled with variety of slightly electronic 808 booms and at times handclap sounding hits enhance the drums range and reinforces the percussion, letting them be wrapped in the warm blanket of cannabis inspired funk that laces this CD. DJ work isn't as prevalent as in previous releases by the group, the odd sample and straight hip hop scratch still take place, but never smother the mixture, something alot of DJ's could take note of. The CD only features two new tracks of the groups latest material with the rest consisting well as a remix from their previous release and 2 live songs. The new material is incredibly smooth, very dense but with a scaled down instrument only flair it really suggests the band has hit its stride. Although they have shed the rapcore past that they previously clothed themselves in and have taken a more headbobbing rap approach, the more keenly focused direction only makes the group that much more deadly. Lyrical content is quite amusing from the weed war with the aliens in the track "The Quest" to the club like anthem of "Bounce" in which the vocals state "I had the parachute pants, even at the 8th grade dance". With the spotlight on, they really begin to shine, even after the recent parting ways with former main vocalist K-Tel Disco, the group seems to only have kicked up their intensity more. Some guest appearances vocally and keyboard wise take place on the album, but seem to if anything still be outshined by sharply honed focus of concentration to structure the group has found. Although the new material is outstanding, the live cuts feel a bit to treble heavy and the 9 minute live opus that is an improvised version of "Once Again" can become a bit dull after repeated listens. The remix of Million Rappers however is done well with some samples reminiscent to an old Ice Cube track which actually was influenced by Queen, Although both the live material and remix are excellent, the new material is so dope it seems as almost a letdown to hear anything but it. The Phunk Junkeez have been around for around for almost a decade and through that time they've pretty much done it all, after getting screwed by a major label, parting ways with a band member and releasing a string of albums, with this, the newest being the flagship release on their own label Uncle Scam Records, it is amazing how potent this small taste of new material is. The music contained on the Junk EP is inherently similar to a narcotic, you're pretty much guaranteed to be addicted to it after just one use, because listening to this EP is akin to mainlining an uncut mix of funk, groove, hip hop and soul that will bounce you on your ass in no time flat.