Heliocentrics opened the doors for a whole new kind of funk movement this year, and Now-Again is about to blow that door into a portal with this release. Introducing Karl Hector & The Malcouns. The band is a kind of super group comprised of the leader of the Funk Pilots, Karl Hector, plus Jay Whitfield from Poets Of Rhythm and Thomas Myland and Zdenko Curlija, the founders of longtime Soul Fire associates the Malcouns. The result is a kind of funk gumbo that blends psychedelic, Afro-beat and Southern funk sounds into an entirely new kind of experience. The album is meant to be listened to in its entirety, complete with intros and abstract transitions. Here are my suggestions, but like I said, it's best as a whole. Check the goods: "Nyx(1)," "Followed Path(2)," "Sahara Swing(3)," "Debere(4)," "Jabore Pt. 3(5)," "Mellow - Version(6)," "Rush Hour(7)," and "Passau Run(8)." Listen for impeccable drum kits, thick with funky basslines, classic solos, and a rhythm section that lives for the pocket. Highly recommended.

reviewed by C'mish