The Herbaliser Band, Session 2 (!K7)
Sep 3, 2009 7:43 PM, Noah Levine
Bringing out the goods once again
Through exquisitely crafted shots, a great movie can reveal the most critical details without having to rely on even a muttering of dialog. And it's in this same way that the equally cinematic Session 2 from Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba, aka The Herbaliser, explains itself.
Like its nearly decade-old predecessor, the second release under the Herbaliser Band banner from these West London DJ/producers is a collection of their previous compositions reimagined and a rerecorded with their full touring band. Digging back as far as the 1997 album Blow Your Headphones, Wherry and Teeba loosen their loops and spin out classy funk that gives off a narrative presence. With its horns and drum breaks set forward in the mix, "Mr. Chombee Has the Flaw" is unleashed with a newfound animation, and "Amores Bongos" somehow evokes classic '70s TV.
Tracks that originally sported lyrics are stripped down, but triggered and scratched samples do their part to accent the smooth beats, noir moods and crisp sound. Although they're borrowed from 12 years worth of previous efforts, the works collected for Session 2 are tied together by retro tendencies and timeless good sense. With their band in top form, Wherry and Teeba give everything abundant energy.
[4 out of 5 stars]
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