Brand New
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The Austin, Texas funk and soul outfit Honey Made follow up their recent EP with this debut album, where the 9 members work together with a playful chemistry that’s both mature and frisky, and even touches on jazz and reggae, too.
“Chicken Sweats” starts the listen with bright horns as plenty of soulfulness and adventurousness enter the R&B influenced atmosphere, and “Brand New” follows with a calmer setting, where smooth grooves unfold with no shortage of warm melodies.
At the midpoint, “Smoove” moves with some nods to reggae as strong vocals guide the agile setting, while “Can You Feel It” recruits a festive spirit that will get your body moving to its Latin rhythm. “Canadian Mist”, an album standout, then flows percussively strong as strategic backing vocals add much to lively climate.
Near the end, “Southern Friend Funk” offers an instrumental where funk and jazz collide amid much creativity, and “So Good” finishes the listen with talking mixed in with the gospel leaings and dynamic musicianship from the talented players.
An album that parallels the energy of George Clinton And Parliament Funkadelic, but also possesses the capacity for slow burning timelessness, too, Brand New is an excellent starting point for a band we will all be hearing much more about in the future.
Travels well with: Maceo Parker- Soul Food; Grant Green- Funk In France