Starflake feat. Topaz - Cumbia 4 Molly (Self Release) [Nu-Jazz]

Austin's Starflake are a drum-heavy, beat-driven, electro-funking, Latin-licked fusion fivesome from Austin, Texax, led by multi-instrumentalist, singer and bass player Jackie O'Brien, with the equally multi-instrumental Ben Nelson chipping in with some (always) welcome melodica, more bass, keys, guitar and voice, Alex Holeman's synths and machines, Zac Catanzaro on drums and Juan Alfredo Rios on percussion. They're ready to party, and you should be too.

Their new album is aimed squarely at the dance floor, fusing various man-made dance styles from big-beat, electro funk and clash, dub.tickled mestizo, raw Latin dance-pop and even the odd lower tempo more sentimental moment, and definitely aimed at a younger audience on the whole; not quite my usual cup of tea, but definitely worth knowing about if you need a weekend wig-out or lively live show.

But, as I still appreciate a dance-floor-destroying tune every now and then - as my End of Week Freak Playlist will attest, I'm here to shout about the album and (I guess) live show closing "Cumbia 4 Molly", a bona fide banger. Hand-played percussion and a hypnotic, looped synth refrain tease the track before the driving live drummed breakbeat and sub-woofer-testing, big-system-destined bass drop simultaneously signalling that it's time to hit the floor. The track then spirals into sax-infused (big up Topaz), psychedelic synth-swirling nu-jazz mayhem which reminds me a bit of Red Snapper in their younger, hungrier prime. The band give the dancers (and themselves) an extended, much-needed mid-track breakdown breather, but really only to tease the next hip and head melting build. Stick it in your party playist and thank me later.

If you need more fun, funky, open-minded, globe-trotting party music, then make sure you check out Bongo Joe.

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Playlist Companion

Find them in the End of Week Freak Playlist.