MojoFlo has always been a band to catch on its bi-yearly trip to Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, but the group has lacked any solid recorded material that captures the energy and sheer talent of the group — now that’s changed.
Right On! (Back Around) is the newest five-song EP from the Columbus-based funk group, and it’s bringing more horns, soul and sexiness than ever.
The band will be gracing Jackie O’s once again this Friday.
Matching the group’s signature live opening style, the album starts with a massive blast from the horn section and launches into an impressive three-minute instrumental intro that simply demands your attention. The band set out to create an album that harks back to the old-school funk and motown style of Aretha Franklin and Al Green, and the appropriately named “Funkentro” wastes no time holding the punches.
But while the rhythm and horn section continues to be rock solid, it’s the group’s sultry frontwoman Amber Knicole that takes home the award for most improved. She has truly come into her own on this EP, knowing exactly when to be reserved and when to break through with a high note or a sassy gruff in her voice, all while maintaining that sexy persona.
Last time the band rolled through Athens in the fall, there was an air of caution to her voice (or perhaps it was the often-times unpredictable sound quality at Jackie O’s) but any doubts that performance evoked have been wiped clean by “Shoulda Coulda Woulda.”
The song starts as a slow funk jam with soft drums and an in-your-face horn melody, and slowly ascends into vocal bliss as Knicole moves up and down her range with ease and adds a sexy personal style to the song that most singers can’t do.
The recording really brings out the intricacies of MojoFlo’s songs that were never fully captured on previous recordings or were muddled at the live show.
The album’s title track, “Home To You,” and “M.M.I.A.” (Music Makes It Alright) still bring the funk and are easily the anchors to the album — the ones everyone at the bar will be forced to get up out of their seats and dance to.
It’s a cop-out for other bands, but MojoFlo is serious when they say they want you to dance, and that’s exactly what this album will make you do.
Right On! (Back Around) is a throwback, but it would have been nice to hear something a little more experimental on this one (electro-funk perhaps?). However, this EP will be more than enough to whet your appetite until a full-length album release is ready.
wh092010@ohiou.edu
