Pushin On

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The second full-length release by the Quantic Soul Orchestra, which organizer Will Holland uses for his live-band recordings (distinguished from his solo projects as Quantic), is another funk-fest that doesn't just consider James Brown's late-'60s unit a band to emulate, but apparently a body to have exhumed. There's no doubt that Quantic is successful -- very much so -- at re-creating the energy and flair, even the precise studio sound, of its intended target. When the author of the liner notes assures readers, however, that "this is strictly about live music all the way, no samples or studio tricknology allowed," how are they supposed to understand the credits stating that Will Holland played at least guitars and bass on all of these tracks, and often saxophone to boot? The question is strictly academic, because Pushin On is an excellent party record that would do the Godfather proud (to say nothing of Lyn Collins and Pretty Purdie). Alice Russell nails her shrieking soul vocal on the title track, and drummer Russell Knight again earns bucketfuls of praise for his unhinged drumming. (If it's true that the opener uses no "studio tricknology," he should rightly take his place alongside the best, and quickest, drummers of all time.) Russell's cover of the Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse film titles "Feelin Good" and "Hold On Tight" don't quite come together, and the second half of the album devolves into mere imitation, but Holland shows himself a master of the funk band. (As producer, he also deserves a mountain of credit for giving Pushin On exactly the upfront sound it needs to succeed.)
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