Breakestra - Hit The Floor - Review

Live funk anyone? Yeah, exactly, a dying presence on stages the world over. Why? I won't be able to comprehend as I view funk like a cold glass of water : You might be able to drink something better than that, & you could definitely drink worse; but you can't really dislike water.
In this music-to-fluid analogy, what Im saying is that its difficult to not like Funk (and I mean proper FUNK, not some hybrid or something someone defines as "funky") even though you may like/dislike other genres more than funk. An affable style of music, if you will.
One of the few acts keeping the real, raw funk alive are Westcoast ten-piece; Breakestra.

Breakestra are a live band that made their name playing the circuit of small venues in their native California, performing astute but gritty renditions of their favorite funk music.
They, somewhat adequately; were signed to the sublime independent Hip-Hop label, Stones Throw records.

I say it is somewhat adequate because they essentially made their name by 'sampling' and interpolating the music they love, but instead of using technological means, they played their hearts out live.
Therefore, an independent hip-hop label seems like a good fit for the band.

Led by bassist Miles Tackett, the group recently released its first LP of original compositions, titled "Hit The Floor". This release was predated by a stunning MIX (as in, they just played all their covers as one long, continuous medley) compilation of some of the best funk ever created, on "The Live Mix".
The first full-length original release should (hopefully) see the band gain more exposure and has shown that aside from being fiery performers, their songwriting skills are up to scratch as well. It is an album that will undoubtedly still pass under the radar of the average music buyer, as Stones Throw relies somewhat on its core fanbase (such as fans of musical mastermind, Madlib and the demented Kerouac of rap, MF Doom) to go out and cop its newer releases.

Sure, this will get a lot of attention in California and perhaps even in neighboring states, but over here in the U.K. it is unlikely they will get much airplay.
With that in mind, it is important to remember as a purchaser of music to never stop looking for new music, so that you may come across gems such as this piece of funk pie.

The music contained within this album is perfect for summer gatherings or BBQ's; something which is to be expected of a collective crafting sun-drenched funk.
The concise arrangements, musical chemistry and adherence to old school funk principles (Brass stabs, drum breaks, syncopation etc.) make this offering a superb debut.
The mood captured by the band on cuts such as "Hiding", "Show & Prove" and album opener "Stand Up" is so infectious only the most stubborn of listeners will not be overcome with a burning desire to bust a dance-floor groove.
The cause is greatly helped by their airtight rhythm section, with bassman Tackett locking in with drummer, Josh 'Wallet' Cohen; leaving the percussion, guitar and keys to gravitate around a solid pulse. The fantastically named Mixmaster Wolf is somewhat your archetypal funk vocalist, relying more on adlibs, vamps and soulful delivery more than verbal variation; not that there is anything wrong with that when you are as entertaining as he is.
Thankfully, he recognizes that he is not the main focus of the band as the listener is treated to a couple of pensive sounding but funky-as-old-gym-socks instrumentals; featuring the flute as the main melodic component. This is supported excellently by the brass section and agile yet understated guitar work.
One thing that may benefit this orchestra of funk (in terms of helping them get noticed by those currently unaware) is that there are definite pop sensibilities to their tunes, by which I mean melodic phrases and song structure are carefully constructed so as to not be confused with 'just another funk band that jams'.
The other pleasing aspect of the brand of funk the Breakestra offer is that it never descends into the slightly-cheesy stylings of late 1970's funk which eventually mutated into Disco.

While many will be quick to assert that the general music aficionado is not in need of another funk band, seeing as most of the best music in the genre was created almost 4 decades ago; but in the current climate of music, where the visceral swagger of funk and live instrumentation are overlooked in favor of slick, electronic-based productions; it is refreshing to have a modern day funk outfit whose focus is simply on making good music to have a good time to. What could you possibly hold against them? Go out and get your hands on "Live Mix Pt.2" and "Hit The Floor"
and then play them back to back in your car, see if it doesn't make the day better.


"Don't need to remind me about living in the core, with the scramblers in front of the store, the bum holding the door, the mugging no one saw, we played ball in the alley where dope was shot raw, and the school they kept flawed, with the lowest test scores..." - The Genius GZA