Open Doors
Color Red, 2021
8/10
Chicago’s Sneezy used their time away from live shows during the pandemic to put a lot of work into this 3rd studio album, where the 8 members bring their respective talents to a very diverse listen that recruits countless ideas into a unique and energetic formula.
“Vibez” starts the listen with warm keys from Ben Paulson, many vocalists and a very soulful and festive opener that also welcomes hip-hop flavor, and “Not Sorry” follows with a playful, cosmic feeling that showcases elegant horns thanks to Pat Girdaukas amid the flowing vocals and rhythmic template.
Elsewhere, R&B influences enter the sophisticated “Lotto”, where plenty of grooves arrive, while the title track is a swift retro-rocker that will certainly get your body moving with its quick drumming and mix of rapping and singing. “Ain’t Shit” then glows with a dreamy ambience as shades of pop enter an infectious landscape.
Near to the end, “Nu Things” displays soothing melodies amid the expressive singing and storytelling, and “Rain” finishes the listen with a stylish and fusion friendly meshing of soul, rock, pop and hip-hop that few others could replicate.
An outfit with over a decade of time together, the chemistry between Sneezy’s members is undeniable, and the pandemic has only served to strengthen that interaction as they continue an atypical sort of jam band presence that’s as lively as it is memorable and as sincere as it is enlightening.
Travels well with: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal- Natural Born Hustler; Marcus Rezak- Truth In Sound