Theory Of Funkativity

Funk/classic rock revivalists. This is a San Diego band (guitarist is a Stanford student and a good friend of mine though!) influenced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, Parliament, Funkadelic, the Beatles, and maybe even the White Stripes. Mostly Hendrix-meets Frusciante guitar and bass funk rock. The only thing I’ll say is that while my friend Michael did a great job on the production, (this is self-produced and self-released!) I think this doesn’t capture the energy of their live show. I want sloppier guitar squalls and louder, heavier percussion! Looking forward to whatever is next for these guys. This is an interesting snapshot of California, laid-back jammy, funk rockin’, groove-rock. Perfect for a summer add to the a-file. FCCs on 7 and 10.

1. Frusciante guitar with big heavy choruses. Groovin’. (3:32)
*2. Acid drenched guitars bob to a funky, almost reggae groove. Light backing vocals in verses, but shouty, snarly vocals during thick choruses. Interesting instrumental outro. (4:24)
3. Sunny, a little bit poppy, but still a rhythmic groove. It has a weird interlude with deep voiced guy? (3:56)
4. Guitar is angular here, rapped vocals. Very RHCP. Choruses are produced really nicely. (3:17)
*5. Verses are hushed…sounds sort of familiar to me, but I can’t point my finger on it. Vocals are soaring and more melodic. This is the most alt-rock track on here. (3:54)
6. Funky bridge jam on this one. Not a big fan of the choruses on this one, though. (3:34)
7. Intro takes a page out of “Cherub Rock.” Heavy, distorted guitars behind more snarling vocals lead into a melodic chorus. This one is nicely produced and is probably the best track on here. Shame that there’s 1 FCC violation. (4:07)
*8. Acoustic guitar opens; pretty ballad. Reminds me a bit of American Music Club at their most melodic, though they probably don’t listen to them. Too short! (3:12)
9. Back to the RHCP funk stuff with relatively catchy choruses. (3:27)
10. Opens with double tracked vocals, more Hendrix acid guitar on melodic choruses, crashing drum conclusion. 1 FCC violation. (2:54)
11. Pianos are added on this one. Kind of an angry concluding track, with some nice dissonance and a slow outro. Yay. (3:29)