Digging up some effervescent jazz rhythms, crooning soul, and funky grooves, the British afro-beat collective really let their hair down for a late-night showing in Brooklyn that delighted their small crowd with brilliant melodies and sultry vibes. Dueling vocals got the audience swaying early on and the feelings never relinquished as the night progressed. Trading off singing duties with killer skills on trumpet and trombone, the two primary vocalists led the group through their dynamic poly-rhythms and stylistic guitars while the band behind them laid down emphatic beats and big fills that gave the music its boisterous movement. While they did play through the highlights of their existing catalogue, the band allowed for the smaller gathering to be a setting for them try out a plethora of new tunes as well. Striking up a chord for electric-jazz fusion and fortified bass-lines, the room was moving with pulsing passion and it was a non-stop love affair with everyone in attendance falling for the music in a scene of true devotion. For the entirety of the night, the crowd was locked in and you'd been hard pressed to find someone twiddling away on their phone as everyone had their eyes firmly peeled towards the action on stage and their bodies following the natural tunes that were flowing with esteemed skills. Building wonderful layers of sound on top of each other, the band was in such a tight-knit groove and watching them play off of each was a treat in and of itself. Familiar tunes like "Carry Me Home" and "We Give Thanks" were true delights, but newer songs like "We Are" showed the progression of their sound and their ability to still uncover new and fruitful melodies for their free flowing sound. At times, there were moments that felt like bejeweled dreamscapes with sparkling and buoyant grooves finding their way to the top of the melodies while other times were contrast with dank and punching rhythms that lit up the room with dazzling energy. Tracing their influences from Caribbean and West African styles and bringing their own modern London vibes into the fold, their range crosses so many genres that when blended together it reveals something that feels uniquely their own, but also comforting and familiar. There is a sensual nature to their music and on stage, it permeates the crowd with a powerful focus and uplifting spirit that radiates like a true sense of wonder. It's something really special and beautiful to behold and to fall under their groove is to fall for their gift of joy.
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