New Groove Formation

In their 3 1/2 year lifespan, Bedfordshire's New Groove Formation have consistently been an outstanding live act. With this, their full and proper debut album "Crowd control" it would be interesting to gauge how this raw and varied band would come across on the confines of a piece of plastic. At 10 songs clocking in at just under 45 minutes it offer great value for money. These are the tracks on offer.

1. Serious
With it's cheeky guitar intro, through to the sweeping brass connection, it's topped off with a 'didge' ending thats pure N.G.F. The vocal combo reassure us that "this could be serious, could be very serious".

2. Always A summer sun-splash of ska-reggae fused vibes.

3. Let Go
The infectious bouncy singalong chorus, a rapping slice segment and a lyrical observation of "I can lead you down to the water but I can't make ya drink it man"! Completely encapsulates N.G.F.'s amazing way with words, which up close and personal we can truly appreciate.

4. Love Is Funky
This could be a throwback to the days of Stax, deep funky bassline and some gorgeous brass.

5. Human Race
Oh yes! A self-indulgent favourite of mine. A ska-reggae track whose vocals are somewhat sad and fairly questioning. Earthlings are under the microscope and if there are aliens around the universe, perhaps this song would be the perfect introduction between them and us!

6. Bedford Street
With a fine tuning crackling radio introduction, it's a little fun before the groove is found. Complete with it's stout bass, the twin vocals take over especially with its blitz of rapping. The song also changes pace as quick as a Lewis Hamilton gear change.

7. International Waste Of Time
The much loved spirit of Ian Dury meets Mike Skinner! Coincidentally N.G.F. almost do the lounge sound with the shout out of "everyone wants to be a ballroom dancer"! I'm more inclined to follow the band's more direct instruction of "just havin' a good time"!

8. Music
A live favourite and just as mindblowing within the confines of my armchair! "ah the music yeah, yeah, la, la", this songs momentum builds rapidly before the band chills out to "bring it down". Thankfully after this brief breather, it's not too long before the heart rate rises and the N.G.F "bring it back" which they do perfectly.

9. Didge
I must say, this is almost a novelty song! But it seems to work. The eerie opening from the man with the magical, mystical Australian instrument, namely the didgeridoo. A eulogy to centuries old musical sound maker, the N.G.F. man almost makes it talk in appreciation.

10. Once In A While
New Groove Formation sign off with a slab of jazz-funk. A real chance for some superior guitar indulgence, the lyrical line of "I am the captain of this musical boat" brings a smile to my face.

If you love dirty funky beats, grooves & breaks, reggae, dub and ska, you will love this album. True Crowd Control.

- by Martin Stapleton, Bedford Esquires website www.bedfordesquires.co.uk