90s acid-jazz collective reunites
The Brand New Heavies, “Get Used To It” (Delicious Vinyl)
As figureheads of the early ’90s acid jazz movement, The Brand New Heavies’ signature fusion of sunny disco and sultry funk runs the risk of sounding painfully dated in today’s crunk and pop-punk music scene. “Get Used To It” however — the Heavies’ latest release — is a satisfying record that balances their classic sound with noticeable growth and innovation.
Reunited with spunky frontwoman N’Dea Davenport, the retro vibe is smeared on thick. Replete with velvety horns and buttery violins, Davenport channels a gutsy Tina Turner on the rich “Don’t Know Why.” Yet great things happen when the Heavies dip their jazzy toe in more modern waters. “I Just Realized” tones down the disco in favor of more subtle and sophisticated soul. The sensual “Music,” with its juicy bassline, avoids the redundant jam-band feel the Heavies sometimes fall victim to.
Other times the retro groove is mined too deep. Stale horns and monotonous rhythms meander aimlessly on “Right On,” while the uninspired “We’ve Got” doles out sanitized funk. The largely trite and sugary lyrics lend nothing to the Heavies’ cause either.
“Get Used To It” is less fun than their previous offerings and Davenport’s once searing vocals are relatively flat. But the album is a solid creative effort that will comfort old fans and enchant new ones. (AP)
