There's no denying that
Slavic Soul Party! are inspired by the giants of Balkan brass, and on their fifth outing, they continue to grow in stature. What they create isn't some slavish imitation of their heroes, but work that uses the idea and feel of the Balkans, mixed with their own histories and experiences. But that doesn't mean they can't do Balkan music very well indeed, as on the Macedonian "Sviraj Srecko" or the title cut, which use it as a base for some mix'n'match styles, all the while keeping to some death-defying playing and rhythms that threaten to career out of control but never do. "Real Simple," of course, is anything but, a showcase of extraordinary chops, while "Sarba" takes a little detour into Moldova. The Balkan bands aren't afraid to look outside their borders and pick up on other ideas, and this group does it too, which some electrifying results, The gospel tune "Canaan Land" starts out straightforwardly enough, then morphs onto something that would fit in down in New Orleans, with the freedom to do some real blowing that's not always there on the other tracks, while "Sancti Peri," which began life as a flamenco piece, is taken south of the border. While, quite understandably, brass predominates, a couple of pieces let accordion up for air, bringing a little variety, and the slower, elegiac closer, "Hymn" sounds as if the entire ensemble is finally catching its breath. A magnificent, daring ride that broadens the group's horizons, and consolidates their previous glory. ~ Chris Nickson