Bursting out of the thriving Colorado music scene comes Analog Son, a funk supergroup that has already made quite the impression on the music scene. The product of Jordan Linit (Kinetix/Ableminds) and Josh Fairman (Kinetix), the project features a rotating cast of players including members of the Shady Horns, the Motet, New Mastersounds and Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk. Following a momentous self-titled debut album, Linit and Fairman have decided to go back into the studio for the often controversial sophomore album. Fortunately for the listeners, Analog Son’s Stomp and Shout leaves very little room for debate; these guys are the real deal.
Stream the first single, “What It Is!,” off Stomp and Shout here!
Our Take:
Analog Son’s Stomp and Shout starts off with a tasty funk groove that essentially carries through until the album’s closing bars. Analog Son emerges with their own unique sound, encapsulating elements of Lettuce funk, Tedeschi-like blues vocals, and Benevento-esque keyboard playing. Despite a completely instrumental opening track, “Shady Nights” brings the listener right in and is full of exploration. There is some excellent trumpet work that will certainly bring the listener to their feet. Just from the opening track, the album already has an auspicious vibe to it.
Stomp and Shout really finds its legs during its second track, “Gun Show.” A much more upbeat song, this track brings its listeners on a five minute roller coaster, with the keyboard player(s) taking the reigns during the solo. Although the keyboard is the highlight of this track, each instrument is vital to the sound, as to say no one is necessarily the “lead,” (although the horns for the most part determine the melody) which allows even the most jaded listeners to lock in and appreciate each instrument individually.
The album’s title track maintains the energy and especially the FUNK. Opening with a slow, cow-funk groove, this one sucks you right into it. This is the only track with male lead vocals, which is quite a shame because the deep baritone vocals complement the laid-back funk quite splendidly. With lyrics like, “Sitting in the club with my family/Feel like playing music with those close to me,” it is easy to tell that the band put their hearts into this song and really milked it in the studio. This track deserves that title-track nod.
“St. Claude and Press” has a locomotive feel to it, bringing in a bluesy vibe, sweet guitar licks, and a melody that reminds me of the theme song to Sanford and Son (which is not necessarily a bad thing!).
One can make a strong argument that the “funk revival” is currently in full swing in the music scene, particularly in the mainstream and EDM realms. Yet, Analog Son’s Stomp and Shout is funk in its most base and fundamental form. As the album progresses, you will find yourself fighting back the urge to dance along with the powerful horns, staccato guitars, eccentric keyboards, funky bass-lines, and the always on-point, tight drumming. Tracks 7 and 8 (“What It Is!” and “So Good”, respectively) are particularly worth checking out, as they deviate a bit from the normal funk melodies, and instead contain element of bluesy vocals, muted trumpets, heartfelt vocals, and a ripping guitar solo on “What It Is!”. Do yourself a favor a pick up this album, and try catch a show while you are at it. Happy listening!
Analog Son’s Stomp and Shout is scheduled to be released March 7th, 2015.
– Ben Fortgang