Alabama 3 - M.O.R.

  by Peter Allison

published: 21 / 9 / 2007

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Companies like HMV and Virgin must despair when it comes to a band like the Alabama 3. For despite their established background, they have consistently refused to be pigeonholed and limited from being restricted to one particular genre of music. The closest definition - in their own words – is acid-house-gospel-country-blues. Which, on paper, sounds ridiculous and doomed to failure, but in reality works surprisingly well. Nor are they apt to rest on their laurels. For from this musical smorgasbord, the Alabama 3 are at their core nine (rather than three as you might suspect) accomplished musicians who have consistently evolved and developed their unique musical style over the years. This allows them freedom to explore differing musical styles at their leisure. The most recent album from this Brixton based band (no, they are not from Alabama either) proves the only way to survive is to continually evolve and improve. Losing the angrier aspect from 2002's 'Power in the Blood' and defiant edge to 2005's 'Outlaw' ; 'M.O.R.' has a far more hedonistic approach. While existing fans will be initially surprised, their continuing anti-authoritative stance and iconic image of preachers from the deep south remains unchanged. Unlike their other albums, 'M.O.R.' has a subtly pervasive influence. For while not as immediately engaging as their previous work, the tracks have a lingering presence, where you will soon find yourself thinking back to their lyrics. The strongest example is 'Lockdown', where you will often find yourself able to subconsciously recite lyrics without prompting. While this may seem to be a negative review, it is not the case. For the album is one which necessitates repeated listening to fully appreciate the diverse aspects that this musically eclectic (ranging from country, through rock, to jazz) – yet singular in concept – group has to offer. Overall, this album is distinct change in direction, but a necessary one, in their continuing evolution as one of the most unique bands today. Needless to say, this is an album well worth listening to.

Track Listing:-

1 Check In
2 Fly [feat. Devlin Love]
3 Lockdown
4 Monday Don’t Mean Anything To Me [feat. Errol T.]
5 Amos Moses
6 Are You A Souljah? [feat. Nam & Rev B Atwell]
7 The Klan [feat. Brian Jackson & MC Pablo]
8 Hooked
9 Doghouse Chronicles
10 The Middle Of The Road
11 Work It (All Night long) [feat. The Lenin of Love]
12 Way Beyond The Blues [feat. Steve Finnerty]
13 Holy Blood [feat. The Kings Of Kaos]
14 Sweet Joy [feat. The Proclaimers & Michael Wojas]

Band Links:-

http://www.alabama3.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/thealabama3
https://twitter.com/TheAlabama3
https://www.youtube.com/user/Alabama3akaA3
https://plus.google.com/114105243203762208008

Label Links:-

http://www.indian.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/olirecords
https://twitter.com/olirecords
http://www.songkick.com/users/onelittleindian
https://www.youtube.com/user/onelittleindian
https://plus.google.com/+OneLittleIndianRecords

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