Rock Candy Funk Party – Groove Is King (Mascot)

Genre: Funk Rock

Were it not for the fact that blues maestro Joe Bonamassa and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons are both key contributors to Groove Is King, it’s likely this little gem would never have found its way into the pages of RUSHONROCK.

But if you’re looking for a record that revisits the best of White Trash, Living Colour, Joe Satriani and Massive Attack (yep, them too) then this summery trip down dance rock lane is just the job.

It’s impossible to escape the deep grooves running through an album that readily references Prince in his prime, Daft Punk’s rockier moments and The Prodigy – check out The Fabulous Tale Of Two Bands – and even the most grizzled metal head will find this strangely addictive.

Yes there’s some jazz. And, ok, we detect a pinch of straight-up pop. There’s even a rather bizarre reworking of Peter Gabriel’s Diggin’ In The Dirt.

But there’s still Bonamassa. And there are some brilliant spoken word passages courtesy of Gibbons AKA Mr Funkadamus.

The guitar-driven funk of Low Tide and the title track are the most accessible ‘rock’ tracks here but this is far from the usual fare featured on this website.

What it is is a pure, unadulterated pleasure trip that proves genre classification can’t hold back those determined enough to push the boundaries and be brave.

Follow Bonamassa’s lead. Be brave. Be happy. Be ready for the Rock Candy Funk Party. Simon Rushworth

RUSHONROCK RATED: 7/10 Groove Is In The Art