Fat Freddy's Drop (from New Zealand) is another band I found via the Music We Like publication from Amoeba (thanks again, Bennett from the Hollywood store), and just in time for the band's new album Live at Roundhouse London (available everywhere on Tuesday 28 September.
It doesn't take long to figure out why someone (particularly a record store employee) would find this band interesting. If you wanted to file Fat Freddy's Drop in a record store, you would be hard-pressed to know where to put the albums. Why? Because this band is one part ska and reggae, one part jam band, one part jazz, one part funk, and one part trance.
The reggae part of the equation can be found in the guitar of pretty much every song on the album. The ska influence comes through the strongest in the horns of "The Raft." Somehow this song puts me in mind of "The Guns of Navarone" by The Specials.
As for the jam band part, I think it suffices to say that there are only six songs on this live album? Only six, you ask. Indeed. But don't feel like you're getting cheated. The shortest song on this album is 10:17. Yes, you read that correctly. No 3-minute radio tunes here.
The jazz influence seems pretty natural since the ska influence is also there. Just don't expect any smooth jazz from this band. The jazz these guys play is more along the lines of Miles Davis Live-Evil or Bitches Brew. It is an avant-garde style of jazz with unpredictable timing.
There is a lot of funk throughout the album, but "The Nod" is the most straightforward funk tune on the album, with a dash of hip-hop. Get your dancing shoes on for this tune.
Now, I can't say I'm a huge fan of trance. However, it is a little more interesting when it comes from a live band instead of a collection of looped sounds. If you want an example of the trance part of the music, listen to "Shiverman."
So, mull this over. This live album has six tracks and I've described six distinct genres or styles that the band encompasses. In other words, you never get the same thing twice from this band. This album gives a good picture of what the band is all about. Plus, with a live recording, you get to feel the energy that the guys put into their live performances. This band has a little something for everyone, so pick it up and give it a spin. Oh, and if you like this album, pick up Dr. Boondigga and the Big BW (!K7 Records).
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