:: Goodbye Country (Hello Nightclub)

Groove Armada

Andy Cato and Tom Findlay have become important members of the UK music scene over the past two years, following the huge success of the “Vertigo”. Now these guys take the Groove Armada sound to even greater heights. These multi-instrumentalists have a great knack for reaching the right mood with the right sound styling. In saying that though, this album took almost twelve months to record. There was always the challenge of matching their incredible first album, and songs like “At The River” and “I See You Baby”. But they have achieved much here. They have sampled some fine 60s and 70s music to keep a similar looped feeling throughout. Cato plays trombone and keyboards, while Findlay adds trumpet and bass guitar. The group’s nine-member touring band plays a big role, as well as guest vocalists folk singer Richie Havens and rapper Jeru the Damaja. “Superstylin’” marked a strong return as the first single. The reggae charisma and big beats paved the way on that song. “Healing” is a smooth deep house arrangement while good party songs are “Lazy Moon” and “The Incredible Bongo Man”. There is some terrific house music and a dabbling in trip-hop. Upon listening to the entire album, you sense how “big” it is in production. Pump up the volume and enjoy the funky flavours that are concise, catchy, and ambient.