The Deplar Effect
Color Red, 2022
9/10
The long running soul and funk revivalists The New Mastersounds return with 13 new tunes, where this 17th album has band leader Eddie Roberts and company fleshing out some of their best work to date.
“Watchu Want” starts the listen with spirited, bluesy guitars, playful organ and acrobatic drumming in the dynamic and soulful climate, and “Gonna Get In My Way”, a tune penned by Shelby Kemp (Royal Horses), is delivered by Lamar Williams Jr.’s flowing pipes amid a lively rhythm section.
Close to the middle, “Highlining” showcases meticulous bass lines in the very worldly flavor, while “High On The Mountain”, a tune inspired by the Icelandic climate, finds a dance friendly play to reside that would fit in well in the ‘60s soul scene.
Near to the end, “Northern Lights” finds plenty of warm grooves as it cultivates much beauty in its instrumental prowess, and “Before” exits the listen with a bit of intimacy that recruits R&B nods to complement the crisp drums, dreamy moments and sincere songwriting.
The Mastersounds offer us a very diverse effort here, where jazz, boogaloo, and New Orleans sensibilities are present and appreciated across the adventurous and heartfelt demeanor that populates the songs from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Pimps Of Joytime- Jukestone Paradise; Lettuce- Crush