The Sweet Vandals - So Clear (2011)

The Sweet Vandals are back! This alone would be enough reason to cheer but they bring us a brand new album that is going to funk you away-ayay.

Throughout 2010 The Sweet Vandals have been focusing on writing and recording their third album "So Clear". They have also spend their time on further developing their studio "Funkameba Studios" and their own label: Sweet Records. "So Clear" released by Unique Records in May 2011 and will go on it's own musical journey, exploring new sound territories but at the same time staying loyal to the organic, warm, pleasant and timeless analogical way of work with a rough and gnarly touch. Real music without any digital tricks, played by real musicians for true listeners. The Sweet Vandals, who have naturally grown out of a mixture of classic Soul, Raw Funk and authentic groove will give the listeners something to talk about.

Like on their second album "Lovelite" the Sweet Vandals attempted to go a step further without breaking with what they truly are. For the recording they have used Fender Rhodes, Strings and Flutes (which were all new instruments for them) together with horns and background vocals which were used on both former albums. It was their goal to achieve just the perfect arrangement and an individual sound for each song.

On "So Clear" you can find 10 songs and an instrumental track that the Sweet Vandals usually play live. "Burning" was recorded in one take including Mayka's vocals, no overdubs nor punches. All of the rhythm sections are one take live recordings and so are all the mixes. With the mixes only a few processors were used and since it has always been recorded in one "live" session it's impossible to create the same piece of music exactly like that. This way, each track is a unique piece of music.

Many madly talented musicians have been brought in to help record this album. Santi Vallejo from the Sweet Vandals has played the trumpet on this album. Top-notch musicians like Chip Wickham, a British Sax and Flute player, have helped to make this album a special treat for funk souls. The background singers have their own successful projects in the Jazz & Funk scene of Madrid and the string quartet are mainly playing in the national Spanish Orchestra.

The Sweet Vandals call their unique, surpassing sound "Dirty Club Sound" which pretty muchs nails it. If possible you should try to see them live. They will blow you away with high energy performances and a genuine music experience. For the last couple of years the Sweet Vandals have been performing in many parts of the globe incl. whole Europe, Mexico and Africa.

"I have a damn good time and enjoy my work with the Sweet Vandals" Santi "Sweetfingers" Martin confesses. Mayka supports this saying: "We love what we do".