Smoke & Mirrors
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
Bassel Almadani returns with his esteemed band for a 3rd album where lyrical topics surround Bassel’s Syrian-American heritage, as well as love, loss and war on the career highlight (so far, anyway) Smoke & Mirrors.
“Calculated Love” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and lively horns in the funk filled and soulful execution that’s not short on grooves, and “Stepping Back In Time” continues the setting with a snappy rock’n’roll fueled tune of soothing backing vocals amid summery rhythms.
Even though there’s just 9 tracks, the band make the most of each one, as “Aleppo”, with Ashkur, flows with a dreamy quality of busy brass and gliding melody that tips it hat to funk and disco, while “Skipping Heartbeats” trims the volume back a bit with jazz influences. “Breathe”, although the shortest tune, leaves an impression with breathy vocals and a hazy delivery of timeless beauty.
The album is bookended well, with the elegant R&B sounds and darker quality of “Black Water”, and “Mistakes” closes the affair playful and upbeat, where strong vocal work aligns with the diverse instrumentation.
With a release date that’s timed with Syrian Independence Day (April 17), Smoke & Mirrors is a listen that’s entirely substance, as Bassel and company create some of the most topical and thriving neo-soul and funk being made today.
Travels well with: Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place; Monophonics- Mirrors