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Artist: Brownout
Album: Homenaje
Label: Freestyle Records
Release Date: 01/29/2008
I'm really pleased to have a new favorite album and even more pleased to have it be from this year. Brownout is a side project of Grupo Fantasma but they are definitely not on the sidelines - they are an amazing hardcore funk phenomena from Austin and LA's in luck since they will be playing two gigs in town this week: Thursday @ the Rootdown and Friday @ Soul Sessions (Grand Star Jazz Club)
Listen to Brownout's "Laredo 77":
Upon first listen Homenaje reminded me of the first Beastie Boys instrumental project, The In Sound From Way Out, which either blew you away when it came out or totally alienated you. Some key differences in Brownout's throwback sound compared to the Beasties: it's tighter, maybe even more upbeat, and there's a Latin flair to the horn flourishes and even the guitar work on some of the songs. Every single song has got a great groove and thankfully the horns are discretely powerful and don't overwhelm. LA is lucky to have 2 chances to see this amazing 8 piece rock the place and you'd better put your dancing shoes on because if you're not moving to this music then you've got bigger problems.