With the recent release of the 80’s-infused electro/funk album 1984 back in October, The Russ Liquid Test continues their exploration into modern dance music, all the while keeping a touch of that New Orleans vibe alive and well.  Russell Scott, producer and accomplished brass player, along with being the group’s namesake, delivers a groove-oriented sound that evokes the classic funk/soul/R&B stylings, but with a futuristic spin that compliments the evolution of each genre in the most tasteful of ways. Along with guitarist Andrew Block and drummer Deven Trusclair, The Russ Liquid Test has announced a New York City performance at American Beauty on Saturday, February 18th (get tix here).

1984 features an array of special guests, including Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville and The Funky Meters’ Russell Batiste Jr., on the title track to the album. Mr. Lif of Thievery Corporation provides some bars on the hip-hop number “Land of the Free,” while Erica Falls (who has been touring with Galactic) delivers a smooth vocal performance on “Wherever.” The amalgamation of sounds created by The Russ Liquid Test is a clear look into how these genres, which for so long have been looked at as polar opposites, can be combined into a synergistic fusion of the elements.

Russ Liquid & Andrew Block Dig Deep Into The Debut Russ Liquid Test EP [Interview/Stream]

When describing that fusing of vintage sounds with the more modern stylings of electronic music, Scott explained, “I wanted new colors to paint with….I kind of look at the electronic world as this whole other color palette, compared to the traditional sounds we’ve been working with for the past however many years.” The Russ Liquid Test is a group that is looking to redefine the boundaries of how music is created, and the direction that it can be taken in.

The decision for Scott to team up with Block was fairly easy, as both New Orleans-based musicians have accomplished backgrounds and some serious chops. Scott came up with Uprite Dub Orchestra and MarchFourth Marching Band (the latter, a complete and utter spectacle to be witnessed unto itself), and Block has toured, played, and recorded with everyone from Pretty Lights to NOLA legend Dr. John, and a long stint with Gramatik. With the addition of Trusclair on drums, The Russ Liquid Test is primed and ready to make bodies move and groove to the music. If you are in the NYC-area on February 18th, make your way over to American Beauty for a performance that will help take all the kinks out of those old bones.

General on-sale begins this Friday, December 16th at 12pm EDT here.

Do yourself a favor, and take a listen to 1984 below:

Show Info
Band:  Russ Liquid Test w/ Opener TBA
Venue:   American Beauty (251 W. 30th Street – New York, NY 10001)
Time:     Doors 8pm / Show 9pm
Ages:      21+
Tickets: General on sale Friday, Dec. 16th at 12pm EDT here

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