Shudderbug show who's the boss on this album laying down the law with a pimpslap of funk, hip-hop, jazz and ska on this upbeat full length. Positive grooves slither out with smooth jazz breaks and skillful melodies that devote attention to harmony and the music above all else. Perhaps the closest comparison for the band would be a medium ground between The Urge, 311, Dial-7 and Incubus, fusing together head bobbing melodies, acute low end and thick song structures, the group has got it going on. Vocally, crooned out hip hop styled verses with a melodic flair and an almost greasy flow are spit forth with mildly nasal vocal tones and backed up with solid honesty and emotion that establishes a broad verbal journey that fits like an old shoe. Guitars give a nod to 70's styled funk, coming dressed with wah and agile strums while keeping the listeners head bobbing and creating a tightly knit high end layer that is usually rich in both crisp distortion and sonic ambiance. Bass is precise and intelligent, nailing lumbering riffs through the slower aspects of the bands music and kicking into high gear with a playing style reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea in the more fiery moments. Unquestionably skilled the sharp notes and style used really stick out beneath the bands material and their technical prowess is something that can easily win over any listener with an ear keen to the lowend. Drums strike with authority and finesse, off time beats and a tight snare keep the hyper vocals and bass in line with confident kit usage that envelopes close to every component included. Variation is the strategy used, but it is never put ahead of the basic progression of the song structure and as such there's a lot to be said for the humble yet expressive percussion included on this disc. There's a touch of sax added to bring out the color and add a jazzy lounge atmosphere, yet it by no means is ever used excessively and the restraint shown is impressive. Another not to common instrument that rears its head here is the piano and organ, which much like the sax, lurks in the background adding flavor and broadening the horizons of the bands impressively solid creations. Quite honestly its hard to believe this band is unsigned after listening to this album, every instrument comes on point with skill and ability, plus the song structures are crafted with such care and expertise that nothing ever sounds out of place. From jazz to hip-hop they nail all the influences and combine it into a seamless package making this CD a delicious audio treat. Rarely has music with funk and groove had as much heart and soul as it does on this album, and considering its combined with the clever rhythmic dynamics and digestible modern format at play on this CD, it will be extremely hard for the band to top such an astounding effort next time around. Shudderbug are one of the most gifted groups in the independent scene, and thankfully they aren't afraid to incorporate their impressionable wealth of talent into their progressive crossover sound, breaking barriers and melding together everything that is funky, it's without doubt that Shuderbug are proving to many just who exactly is their daddy.
(5 / 5)