Already
on release in Europe this album is one of the reasons that I love
what I do. The album cover which features a picture of the
band and indeed the first few tracks which are of a house nature in
no way prepare you for the eclectic delights that are waiting for
you further within. From Sweden the band are in search of the
ultimate groove and led by producers/DJ's Combo and Alf Tumble
they may well have captured it in this album.
With funky latin grooves that
might have come straight out of Latin America or the corners
of New York this album is one for the feet. Though the first
time you realise that things are not what they seem is when
the jazzy, soulful vocal of Clarisse Muvemba adds to the
almost Gilbertoish flavour of 'Loverbeat' The harder
electronic jazz funk of 'Tribute' with its brass backing
is perfect for those contemporary bars and hotels that play the
grooves associated with lounge and chill music and to which those
with a wide taste in the genres of soul music go to listen to what
new 'hip' music to buy.
The scandinavians have always
loved their soul music and have at times taken it to another level
by bringing other styles into the melting pot. To bands like SUMO
there are no boundaries and that is exactly the way it should be.
Maybe its the cold climate that allows them to dream
of hotter countries and conjure up brazilian rhythms
such as 'Sudden Samba' to such an effect that they are
as good as any emanating from Rio or maybe its just there way
of saying never judge, always keep searching for the good groove
no matter where it leads.
