On their third full-length, Brooklyn's
Ikebe Shakedown
continue to deliver their winning blend of Afro-beat, deep funk, and psychedelic soul. The album seems lighter and more relaxed than their previous effort,
Stone by Stone
, which was easily their heaviest, trippiest recording to date. This one has its share of spring echo effects and pressurized rhythms, but overall it feels a lot freer and easier. Right out of the gate, "Supermoon" is bold and triumphant, with jubilant horns and a racing groove announcing the group's return. Instead of delivering an entire album this hot and heavy, however, they pace themselves, playing slower, simmering numbers and only turning up the fire when the moment is right. "Assassin" is surely the most Afro-beat-indebted track here, with galloping drums and fiery horn arrangements. "Brushfire" has a darker, midtempo funk rhythm, splashes of dub effects, and a blazing guitar solo, on which the song fades out. "Penny the Snitch" features twangy guitar riffs as well as wah-wah pedals, seemingly creating the theme song to an imaginary spaghetti Western/blaxploitation crossover film. "Out of the Shadows" is a bit like a lost
David Axelrod
mix of "Inner City Blues," while "The Ally" is sort of like a more pep-infused "Be Thankful for What You've Got." ~ Paul Simpson