Galactic - Into the Deep

by Dave Goodwin

published: 25 / 8 / 2015

Label: Provogue Records
Format: CD

Riveting combination of soul, hip hop, electronica, world music, rock, blues and jazz on eleventh album from diverse New Orleans band, Galatica

Review

Oh my, oh my, are there some good sounds around at the moment? All types of music are being represented well right now, but I was beginning to get a bit anxious about where the soul was and then out of the blue came this! Like a bolt of lightning to the subconscious, Galactic's 'Into the Deep' has infected my head with all sorts of hip hop, electronica, world music, rock, blues and jazz. Galactic Prophylactic were formed in 1994, and the original line-up, which included singer Chris Lane and guitarist Rob Gowen, were influenced by legendary local acts as the Meters and Dirty Dozen Brass Band whilst they studied at the University of New Orleans. At that time the group had many members, but soon thinned out to a sextet consisting of guitarist Jeff Raines, bassist Robert Mercurio, drummer Stanton Moore and Hammond organist Rich Vogel. Complimenting the act Theryl DeClouet led on vocals, and they later added saxophonist and harmonica player Ben Ellman to the line-up. Since its inception, the band's sound has evolved from New Orleans funk to a more modern style, taking on board elements of hip hop, electronica, fusion, and jazz, but it is Ellman and Mercurio who have pushed and brought the band into its twenty-first year. All the players in the band have their own techniques, but here's an interesting fact for you - Ellman often distorts his instruments to the degree that they sound similar to an electric guitar. It's that kind of sound - Traditional jazz funk with added, to coin a phrase, va va voom. This latest offering is their eleventh album to date. And its a beast of an offering too. They are masters of the instrumental. Not being a total fan of that kind of music, I am slowly being converted and Galactic are at the forefront of this conversion. 'Sugar Doosie', the opener, sounds as if it was recorded in one hit in the local bar during party time. 'Long Live the Borge', with its weird acid-like guitar and funky Hammond, and 'Buck 77', with its crazy fuzzed-out industrial moments (The first and last parts of the track sound like something from 'Scooby Doo'?) are perfect examples of instrumental bliss. There are some strong collaborations on here too, including a soulful appearance from the legendary Macy Gray taking us back to some earlier soul sounds. JJ Grey appears on the second track, 'Higher and Higher'. Mavis Staples' giggle at the start of 'Does It Really Make a Difference?' packs a smile. It all comes to a Hammond-ridden end with another instrumental of note, 'Today's Blues' which could have been recorded in Muscle Shoals. Those of you who are unfortunate and born without rhythm, this my friends, is your saviour right here. Get your spacesuit out, pack some sandwiches, step out of the spaceship and let Galactic take you 'Into the Deep'. Ultra bloody marvellous!

Track Listing:-

1 Sugar Doosie
2 Higher and Higher (feat. JJ Grey)
3 Into the Deep (feat. Macy Gray)
4 Dolla Diva (feat. David Shaw and M
5 Long Live the Borgne
6 Right On (feat. Ms. Charm Taylor)
7 Domino (feat. Ryan Montbleau)
8 Buck 77
9 Does It Really Make a Difference (fe
10 Chicken In the Corn (feat. Brushy O
11 Today's Blues
12 Something's Wrong With This Pictu
13 Dolla Diva (feat. Erica Falls) [Live]
14 Sugar Doosie (Live)