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Bay Area funk masters boomshanka are proving they’ve got what it takes with their first full-length, self-titled album (NMX). This eleven-song collection shows the tight musicianship, extraordinary technique and true lyrics of a band on the rise. Known for their experimental and sometimes drawn out instrumental jams, the boys made sure to tighten things up in the studio, without sacrificing the quality of the songs. A somewhat difficult task for bands who truly shine while on stage, being able to play off one another by the way they feel at that very moment, winning you over with the element of surprise. boomshanka shows no mercy as track by track the listener is taken on yet another one of their “twisted rides.”
The pace of the album is clear; it is funky, no doubt. But maybe the most redeeming quality behind this sextet is their ability to lose themselves in their talent. There is no question that the opening song on the album, "first thing tomorrow" is radio friendly, a wise way to kick things off. Lead singer / guitarist, Ryan Smith, has a sexy, raspy thing goin’ on and somehow wins you over by track three. A huge highlight for this fan is the tenth song on the album, "by yourself," with lead guitarist Sean Leahy on lead vocals for the only cut of the album. Is there anything this guy can’t do? His skill is unsurpassed by many of today’s unsigned guitarists. He owns his instrument in every sense of the word, screaming for attention without saying a thing.
The entire album is extremely cozy. Sultry and smart lyrics with a hometown feel that makes you wonder just what you have coming at you next. What you get is a perfected mix of heart and soul and a sense of creative craftsmanship. The songs are full-fleshed and original and capable of moving you from heartbreak, to a groovin’ strut and back to shakin’ it hard with your hands in the air and a smile on your face. It is pretty obvious that these guys dig each other. You just can’t sound this seasoned this soon if you don’t. Each cut is carefully executed with occasional repetitiveness but an all around relaxed and unstrained vibrancy. It is laced with what every young rock-n-roll band sings about; drinking, smoking, women and the road, while always looking for the freedom of solidarity and quiet nights.
Finally, boomshanka wraps things up with what is probably the best track on the album, "medulla oblongata." For this one, the guys brought in percussionist Victor Teiku (Fela Kuti). This bass-driven song has so much soul and, as tight as it is, does the listener a favor by stretching it out to almost eight minutes. What a way to close out an album that is sure to be in my CD player for a long time to come. Sweet sounds of the saxophone, beautiful organ melodies, and a palpable good time. That’s what I’m talkin’ about.
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