Striking right balance between rock and funk Lazy J Kick The Spin Album Madnote Records
WHICH ever member of Lazy J sat down and said to his peers 'let's create the best funk rock album of modern times' deserves a medal. Unfortunately I have no medal to give, but 'Kick The Spin' is more than enough of a reward. Let's be honest - funk rock has never quite worked has it? OK, Buckcherry came very close with their debut album, but that was more rock than funk and they have recently adopted a rockier, edgier sound but Lazy J strike a fine balance between the two which really complement each other.
Imagine George Clinton and Led Zeppelin performing together on the same stage and you are only half way to understanding the breathtakingly new sound that is Lazy J. 'Three State Mind' kicks off the album with a real kick in singer Marc Plant's voice putting soulful funk vocals over a rocky backdrop.
It is not until fourth track 'Change The Channel' when you really hear just what these guys can do with their guitars. Opening with a monster riff reminiscent of AC/DC and Thunder, the guitars dim down for vocals and return for each chorus as we are treated to a stunning solo half way through the song which is quite simply phenomenal.
The album takes a more melancholy tone for the beautiful ballad that is 'Half The Time' which is surely the 'November Rain' of the noughties! Towards the end of the track there is even a vocal note that echoes that of Robert Plant's at the start of 'Immigrant Song!' And just to reassure that the heavy, rocky 'Change The Channel' was not a fluke, the meaty riffs and screeching licks return for 'Sign of What Was' and the in-your-face 'Sinners and Liars.'
The beauty of this album is the harmony between Plant's (same surname as Robert - spooky!) vocals and the band's epic rock music that sound as though they were just meant to be together. What's more, the album is a mammoth 45 minutes long with 11 long-lasting songs that are both well written and excellently performed. Kerrang! Radio has already played an active part in creating a surge of interest in Lazy J by giving their songs regular airplay and broadcasting interviews with the foursome, tipping them to be the next big thing. So I have an idea - let's get on our running shoes and chase that bandwagon because I definitely want to be on it!
Released: Out now! For Fans Of: Led Zeppelin, Jane's Addiction, George Clinton
