Infinite Frequency
What If…
It would be tempting to compare Infinite Frequency with the free-for-all funk-pop acts that have gone before such as Fishbone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But despite some shared influences, Infinite Frequency sounds like neither. In fact, IF probably sounds closest to Jamiroquai, but even that’s not completely accurate. Yes, “Venus Moon” and “Mr. Big Funk” have a certain resemblance to Jamiroquai, but Infinite Frequency sound more genuine. A large part of that might have to do with the group’s decision to record in analog, which gives these songs less digital slickness and more vinyl heat – one wonders how this LP would groove on a turntable.
On the first half of the record, Infinite Frequency digs the jazz seasonings that colored much of the funk and pop records at the time. This can be prominently heard on the aforementioned “Venus Moon” and “I Feel Your Love,” both of which have lazy sunny-day rhythms that are probably standouts in live performance. The relaxing “I’m Free” best exhibits the soulful vocals of leader Ian Franklin, who also produced the album.
Beginning with “This Struggle,” the record starts to shift gears. Featuring a scorching guitar solo, “This Struggle” introduces us to Infinite Frequency’s rock side, and much credit has to be given to a young act that is polished enough to pull off a courageous change of approach. Infinite Frequency later revisits funk on “Sugar Honey” but the second part of the album is largely about experimentation: lively acoustic pop on the uplifting “Fly Away,” an intoxicating soup of vintage hip-hop, disco, jazz, and alternative on “What’s the Difference?” and the brilliant title track, nearly ten minutes of jazz jamming and war protest with rapped messages of peace.
Infinite Frequency: http://www.infinitefrequency.com
