Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, this is the band’s 4th studio album. The band are described as a blues rock outfit, that may be the case as of now, but back in 2000 when this little gem was released, the funk was very much flowing through the band’s musical veins. This album is one groovy beast. A couple of singles were released in Canada, Smile, and Change – which did quite well.
Who’s There is a great groovy funk monster of a tune to open up the album with, and She’s Alone carries on that groove but with an added solo from Shaun Vereault – who is a very tasty player. Once You’ve Got It has a great hook and chorus to go with that irresistible funky groove. They do remind me a little bit (in this song at least) of British groove combo, Amor. Smile is next with its infectious groove and melody. One of the quirkiest songs of the record is next with Bushi Su, which is pure old school funk. If you don’t move to this track, you need a tune up of your groove muscle. Change follows and it’s a simple pop funk with a great melody and groove. Side 1 closes out with Watchewan and it’s early seventies funkarama.
Side 2 opens up with my favourite track, Mad Doctor, which has a killer riff and groove. It’s another time to test that groove muscle as the funk is deep in this one. Exquisite is a slow grinding funk with some nice harmonies and a fantastic groovy middle eight. Sleepwalker is the least funkiest track on the record and feels more like indie rock. Breathe Out has pinched the riff from Queen’s Dragon Attack, well part of it anyway, and there is a nice solo as well. I guess they were listening to the Game at the time. Ease Your Mind is a superb slow funky blues with a very tasty solo. The album closes out with Fa Na Na and is almost Prince-esque in its execution. Superb track. Unfortunately they don’t sound like this anymore as the last album had a bit too much fuzz box for my tastes. Overall, a great album.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
