Listening to “Echo Park,” the new project from Funk/Hip Hop fusion band, Standing Ovation (SO), is like traveling on a spaceship to an otherworldly dimension while tripping on alien LSD from the planet Uranus. The bizarre, bi-coastal duo are truly unique in both style and sound. They’re a tough act to pin down, but I’ll make an attempt by describing them as a mash up of Bootsy Collins & Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes with a little Bishop Don Magic Juan thrown in for good measure.
The 4 track collection kicks off with “Freaky,” an off-kilter, synth-based track straight outta the 80’s that’s composed of falsetto vocals & dense rhythms before segueing into more high-pitched musical action with “SuperCharged.” The moody, downbeat soundscape then leads into the rapid-fire pacing of “Nelly,” which serves up a rock-oriented sonic backdrop while continuing to heavily promote the group’s “Full Moon Funk.” “Stoopid” closes out the project with an airy, ethereal vibe that will make listeners simultaneously nod AND scratch their heads in a funk-filled haze of confusion.
It’s easy to write off a group who make music this confounding…but I personally wouldn’t do that. Their willingness to take risks and bend expectations is to be commended in a music industry where boring, derivative material is immediately rewarded. My guess is that SO is on to something big with their new project “Echo Park”…and if I’m right listeners worldwide will be beaming up for their new brand of outer space funk.
– Kevin Keith
