PAPAGROOVE

Lordy Lord - a 13-piece from Montreal blasting out a healthy dose of funky R&B and Afrobeat for a good solid hour. Impressive live, these hometown guys prove with their debut album that they're a force to be reckoned with. Musically, Papa Groove takes us on a rich aural journey that stretches from West Africa (Mercy Lady, Rimouna) to Oakland, USA (East Road, Little Man). The members - all outstanding players - run a tight ship, while vocalist Sebastien Francisque keeps it evenly keeled. Kudos go to the five-strong horn section that punctuates each song with tight blasts of brass. Sounding like Fela Kuti and Tower Of Power all rolled into one, Papa Groove is a great party band with the right political message. **** 4 stars - Martin Siberok (HOUR), August 7th, 2008