When your side project is getting more attention than your main project what do you do? Well if you’re The Mighty Mocambos and your side project is Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band (riding high after their 2008 single P.I.M.P.‘s star soundtrack turn in 2023’s Palme d’Or-winning Anatomy Of A Fall), you bust out a super-tight ten-track set and experiment in a few new stylistic directions while you’re at it. Say hello to A Higher Frequency, the band’s sixth studio LP. How about a track-by-track examination? Oh go on then – if you insist!
1. OPEN THE GATE
A business-like opening of reassuringly chunky crime-funk which nevertheless steps up a further gear on the hook where the horns go Godzilla-size.
2. GET LOOSE
A.k.a. The Mocambos do early 70s jazz-funk. Quite a lot of Blue Note influence here but also some Mancini-esque touches on the horns riff. Wasn’t expecting it…but I like it!
3. SPINNING
A nifty little mid-tempo funky bump with Spaghetti Western horns and psych-funk flute. One of only three vocal cuts on the LP, this one features regular Mocambos singer/ collaborator Nichola Richards.
4. BACK AND BETTER
Even if they do say so themselves. Also features Nicola Richards capably doing a reflective lyrical turn but, ironically given the title, the monkey’s least fave cut in the set.
5. SWEET COMPANY
That’s more like it! Don’t be fooled by the intro – this is breakneck flute-led library music funk that’s happier than a labrador on ecstasy.
6. SPARKS OF JOY
Afro-funky business to keep the faithful happy – also reminiscent of early Bamboos on the hook – a good thing.
7. PHANTOM POWER
Bloody hellfire – hang on to your hats! Meaty bongo funk featuring the Thai lute known as a phin and a fat drum n flute breakdown. Let the breakers break!
8. CAN’T STOP THIS FIRE
The pace slows a tad but this smouldering funker featuring a lead vocal from none other than Carlton Jumel Smith will still have ’em up and at it.
9. WHEN WE ROLL
A.k.a. The Mocambos go disco-boogie. At least on the top-line and the jangly guitars. Those drums are still fat-as-shit funk though.
10. HOMEBOUND
The pace slows again a little to this one’s set closer with a body swaying, head-nodder and you’re left satisfied.
At thirty-three minutes long this one doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Such are The Mocambos chops however that you’ll happily drop the needle back at the start of Side A once Side B finishes. Matter of fact, this might even be the monkey’s favourite Mocambos album!
(Out 6 June on Mocambos Records)
BEST TRACKS:
Open The Gate, Get Loose, Spinning, Sweet Company, Phantom Power, When We Roll