Papalegba
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Papalegba

Band Rock Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Papalegba mixes in some blues and funk to create laid-back, interesting rock."

Papalegba is quite a mysterious band. First off, they’ve got a mysterious name that’s difficult to pronounce (although it might be a reference to a Haitian voodoo god, but that’s anyone’s guess). Then they have non-descript album cover and CD, no real album name, and a no-frills website that forgoes the fancy flash animation and endless tough-looking band photos, and simply states the necessary facts. To be honest, their concept seemed a little boring and I didn’t hold much hope for them. Clearly, I have a lot to learn—and I have been humbled.

Papalegba definitely have something going for them, and apparently have taken the less-is-more approach as far as presentation is concerned—and I dig that (if the album is good). Far from being the boring, droning, relatively unimpressive musical endeavor I had imagined, I’d been presented with quite a flavorful album, much to my pleasant surprise. While lined with solid rock roots, Papalegba brought it to the table with a little more color and life than the average 90s-influenced indie rock band. Recorded late in 2005, the debut album and band hail from Philadelphia, which was merely an added bonus, and scored them some brownie points.

The album opens with "Sun Will Rise", a slightly somber sounding, quiet track that consistently rolls along with low energy, but a nice rhythm. And boy, is it misleading. Much of the album, with songs like "Tragedy", rock a little more lightly with fantastic, strong blues and funk undertones that are really refreshing. "Another Day" jams as well, really showcasing Chris Kinsey’s strong vocals as he wails his way through the album. "Imagination" is a little heavier, with deeper guitars and slower drums.

While Papalegba’s fusion of sounds makes for an interesting album, unfortunately a few of the slower songs on the album seem to leave behind a bit of their groovier influences. For example, "Star" and "Blackfish", while livelier, and more melodic than the album’s opening track, fail to capture the same energy and rhythm of much of the album. While they’re undoubtedly well-written, good songs that stand up to the rest, they stick out as a little inconsistent with the lighter, funkier attitude of the majority of the album. They do, however, highlight the crystal clear vocals that make for some beautiful tracks. If that’s the album’s major flaw, it can be easily overlooked.

- Kristen Brown, cdreviews.com


Discography

Papalegba-Papalegba
Self Released-2005
Track Listing:
1. Sun Will Rise
2. Tragedy
3. Coronation
4. Finally
5. Star
6. Another Day
7. Imagination
8. Just a Girl
9. Blackfish
10. Liz

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Papalegba is a Philly based rock band. They bring quite a mixture of styles to the table to create what a reviewer calls "laid back, interesting rock." Good enough. Some of their songs are bluesy, bitchin guitar rock, and some are melodic and sad soul bearers. Singer Chris Kinsey and guitarist Jeff McCard are the founders and main writers. Guitarist Jason Alburger is their irreplacable third wheel. Maury Spadoto (bass) and Todd Rengal (drums), provided a solid backbone on Papalegba's self titled record and many shows in 2004 and 2005. 2006 has been quiet, as the members have been working on other projects. Chris and Jeff vow to play some acoustic gigs in the near future.