Search - New Mastersounds :: 102%

Yet another blockbuster!

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 07/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The New Mastersounds have crafted another mind-blowing trip into the land of funky jazz. It swings and rocks. The ingredients for "102%" include a heavy helping of soul and funk with a sprinkling of psychedelia. As with the rest of the band's discography, much of the music sounds like it was recorded sometime in the sixties and seventies, drawing on likes of the Meters and Howard Roberts. The production is partly responsible for the great vintage sound. The disc blends dazzling arrangements with jaw dropping solos. The melodies are catchy and toe tapping. At times, Eddie Roberts guitar work echoes Mike Bloomfield's playing with the Butterfield Blues Band. As usual, Bob Birch rips things up on his organ. 'Witness' is a mind bending trip into the land of psychedelia. 'Hey Fela' pays tribute to the inventor of Afrobeat. As slow songs, 'Colorado Sun' and 'Forgiveness' show the band's tender and delicate capabilities. While they had previous releases, it is "This Is What We Do" (2005) that put the New Mastersounds on the map. Considering the consistent greatness of their following albums, the group has earned the title of Kings of the New Funk. Given "Live at La Cova" (2006) and now "102%" (2007), it's clear that we can continue to expect great things from The New Mastersounds."