The Slow Slushy Boys - Time for Love And Boogie (2023) [Hi-Res]

Long-running French soul-funk outfit The Slow Slushy Boys are treating us with a generously produced boogie-funk LP, containing a string of epic dancefloor-shakers fuelled with contagious groove, mean basslines, catchy hooks and a glistening array of percussion, strings and keys.

Formed as far back as 1989 in the French Alps, the Slow Slushy Boys have developed their sound over the course of three and a half decades (10 albums and over 20 singles), and moved on from their initial 60's influences towards funkier ventures as their recent 'Gimme Your Love' (2014) and 'Rise Up' (2016) singles show.
Artists like Curtis Mayfield, Allen Toussaint and bands like B.T. Express or Zapp are now part of their vast field of inspiration, as the band broadened their exploration of Afro-american music ; yet they perform 100% original material, and can pride themselves in arranging and producing their own music in the most DIY ethos – a principle defended by their local label/collective Larsen Recordz since the 80's.

The opening track, 'Ain't Got No Love', drives along a soothing, addictive beat, and reveals an elegant string quartet which will play a major part in the album's sound. The band's frontman and main songwriter Benny Gordini (also founder of both Larsen and B-Soul banners) unveils the LP's main theme : Love !
'It Must Be Love' follows with a smooth downtempo and an impeccable bass and drum groove, soon joined by the magical strings. Sublime female backing vocals add the cherry on the cake.
Then comes 'D-Funk', a joyful hymn to all-night partying that features the classic 'talkbox' sound (mixing synth modulation and vocal articulation) as well as funky Clavinet/guitar riffs and cool hooks.
On side B, 'Love Is What I Want' brings together all the elements of the 'Slushy' sound : an inviting and catchy hook, a crisp and steady drum beat, cool Rhodes and acid synth, soulful vocal harmonies, and funky bass & guitar riffs. But half way through, the voluptuous strings, a jazzy vibes solo and some horns (lead by a sexy trombone!) join in for an ecstatic moment.
'Masterplan' and 'New Salvation' dive deeper into the funk zone, with faster patterns, heavier riffs but still contrasted by soft, soulful arrangements. Benny Gordini drifts away from the 'Love' leitmotiv to approach more serious topics such as social issues and self-empowerment. While 'Masterplan' features flute themes that echo Blaxploitation soundtracks, 'New Salvation' follows in style with an orgasmic guitar solo which wouldn't be out of place in a Schifrinesque car-chase scene.

The album's strength resides in its constant communicative energy, its relentless dedication to groove and dance, and its ambitious, yet unpretentious production. No doubt the LP, just like the band's hot live performances, will help spread both concepts – Love and Boogie !