Galactic - Into the Deep

Galactic
Into the Deep
2015

When you hear a band has been around for 20 years you think dated, probably boring. The same can be said when you hear the term "Jam Band". Well Galactic have been around for two decades, and they are technically a jam band but take everything you associate those terms with and throw it out the door. Their latest album Into the Deep is as youthful and vibrant as anything out there. The New Orleans funk group is relentless in their pursuit of the groove with deep bass and splashy drums setting the stage for powerful bright horns, electric guitar riffs and the collaboration with different singers. This is funk at it's highest level tailor made to get your ass moving. The title track "Into the Deep" features Macy Gray shows the group is more than just a festival band able to pump out a great solo. On this track they craft a song filled with heart and emotion (helped greatly by Macy's distinctive voice) that connects on a level greater than some song in the back of a smokey bar. Each track on this record is layer after layer of music each piece building on the other to make the whole really really special. On the album setting Galactic is able to edit what may be a free flowing style live into a very concise and directed record.

Even people not well versed in the funk game will find something they like here. The sound is so elevated that you can not help but respect and get into what is happening. "Right On" featuring Ms. Charm Taylor is the all out dance track on the record complete with claps and stomps but it is done in that classic way that makes people want to move. Ms. Charm Taylor brings a sense of swagger to the song as if she doesn;t care if you like it, even though she knows you do. New Orleans oozes from every inch of this record from the horns to the bluesy guitar and though the theme may be outer space Galactic firmly grounds the record in old school funk traditions. If you don't get out there and listen to Into the Deep as soon as possible the only person you are hurting is yourself. Truly one of the greats.

8.9 out of 10