The Party is back, gracing us with another disc full of Gypsy marching tunes interspersed with hellacious solos and tightly harmonized sequences.
Just as on Bigger, the band’s last full-length release, the brass and bass set the backdrop for tangential melodies and directions.The nine-piece group mixes original Balkan numbers with traditional covers, although there sadly is no Nirvana homage this time around.
And though there isn’t much difference in style between songs, fans of this genre will delight in the way Slavic Soul Party’s instrumentation flutters in synchronicity. Trumpet, trombone, tuba, accordion, cornet, and clarinet all weave their way around relatively basic beats, and a pair of the covers feature vocals in traditional Balkan style.
The fact that there isn’t much fusion with modern or American sounds might prevent SSP from endearing itself to segments of the progressive/jazz scene, but that shouldn’t stop those listeners from giving it a try.
If the band gave premeditation to penning a single, “Have a Beer,” the album’s fifth track, would definitely be it. The song is devoid of vocals and makes no to reference to boozing other than the title, but is also the least complex offering and has the type of melody that could theoretically worm its way into a commercial for brewed beverages. If you’re a fan of this genre, drink up.
– Scott Morrow
Slavic Soul Party (Barbes Records)