DC Fontana - Meshkalina EP

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 9 / 1 / 2012

Label: DC Tone
Format: CDS

intro

Excellent combination of 60's Mod and 90's Britpop influences on new EP from eight piece Midlands-based Northern Soul group, DC Fontana

DC Fontana are an eight piece Northern Soul group from the Midlands that first appeared in the late 90's, although they did not release their debut album, ‘Six Against Eight’, until 2010. This new EP was produced by member Donald Ross Skinner, who was the guitarist for Julian Cope. Other members of the group have worked in the past for Mick Jagger, Steve Winwood, Julie Driscoll, Marianne Faithfull and Sonic Boom from Spacemen 3. ‘Meshkalina’ is sung by Karla Tilton, and the whole band has a very cool 60’s Mod look. ‘M’ was written in 1969 and has a cool mid-to late 60s feel, while Karla’s vocals on it sound a lot like Sandie Shaw or Judy Collins. It is the sort of song that ‘Ready Steady Go!’ would have picked up on and it is heavy on guitar riffs, while trumpets and brass add to the drama of it all. The Afro Dub Remix of ‘M’ has more of a Coventry/2 Tone dub feel to it, and is completely instrumental apart from backing vocals. ‘It Don't Worry Me’ was written by Donald Ross Skinner. The song is very bright and easy on the ears, sounding like a bright Britpop number and recalls Sleeper to a degree. ‘La Contessa’ is a groovy mod classic in the making, heavy on the Hammond and reminiscent of ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T and the MGs. The Lack of Afro remix of ‘La Contessa’ has much more of a groove to it and adding to the funk is very Mod-flavoured. An excellent release.

Track Listing:-

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