SPANISH BLUE

Rocky, Will Smith, the Broad Street Bullies, the Liberty Bell, the most recent World Series champions, and cheese-steaks call Philadelphia home. With Demon Disco, Spanish Blue looks to add itself to that list of important Philadelphians.
Their style is a fusion of hip-hop and funk reminiscent of The Roots, The Beastie Boys, and TV On The Radio. From the start, with “Wrought Iron,” the band lays it on thick with wah-saturated guitar and baritone sax giving way to the whine of a Hammond organ. Fast moving, and introduction-free, this is a good opener.
“Demon Disco,” the album’s second track is the winner of the lot. Starting with an organ part that seems to give a nod to the Beastie Boys, and horn parts with such an Afro-Pop sensibility that they could pass for Fela Kuti. The hook and groove easily make this the most danceable, and infectious tune on the album.
The album takes a bit of a turn at the halfway point with “Homecoming.” This song is less hip-hop and more like Sublime with it’s guitar-driven groove. This is the most reflective, if that word can be used here, and melodic work of the album.
The second half continues much like the first. “Executive Order” with it’s introduction being a sort of lazy homage to John Bonham’s introduction to “When the Levee Breaks,” does move on and into a good song despite it’s confused beginnings.
This is mostly a fun album to listen to. Good for a party, as it provides a pretty consistent groove with hardly an interruption in tempo. On it’s own it can be tedious at worst, and as is the case with the title track, slamming at it’s best. The merging of hip-hop with its funk roots is always a welcome addition to musical the landscape as it provides lyrical flow to excellent dance grooves.
While this work is far from production perfection, and the songs aren’t all winners Spanish Blue does get on base without hitting the ball out of the park. Hopefully it’s enough to keep their audience interested and awaiting their next effort.

http://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=457 - Noah Small – MuzikReviews.com Staff