I was not expecting this. I was actually expecting to be really disappointed…really. Why? Well, this band is advertised (multiple times) as being “gritty.” They’re also a compared to Wu-Tang musically, and labeled as alternative/punk. They are absolutely none of these things — they are a BA funk band. Not just any funk band either, but a funk band backed by the horns from the Dap Kings (not too shabby, fellas!).

There are hints of old Chili Peppers (remember when they weren’t terrible? I promise it used to be that way) and a bit of Lenny Kravitz. Sure, there are some simple beats that could be reminiscent of some sort of rap, but it’d be more like Run DMC because it’s some pretty simple stuff. It is those horn songs though that make this so worthwhile; the more funkafied, the more flawless. “Coleen” is smooth as all get out, “How Do You Like Me Now?” is James Brown at the height of his career. “That Kind Of Man” is probably the most unique song on the album, and maybe it is kinda gritty; all I know is that I immediately formed a great picture in my mind with this song being the soundtrack, and that’s pretty cool. Good stuff. Worth checking out.

(Counter Records, C/O Ninja Tune, 1499 William Suite #2, Montreal, QC H3C 1R4 Canada)