Posted on 04/10/2008

They've played with Prince, got props from Maceo and their instrumental collection doesn't disappoint. Brownout's debut boasts the winning combination of head nod niceness and tracks that urge you to wear out some shoe leather.

 

Brownout is an eight piece offshoot from celebrated Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma and Homenaje is a concentrated effort created during their down time. Their ensemble consists of two guitarists, bass, percussion, and an award winning horn section.

Homenaje (or homage) pays tribute to 70s funk and the songs evoke the illicit cool of Jackie and James Brown. Songs like "African Battle" with the frantic horn squeals butting the restless rhythms of the band, pay deep respects to the funk forefathers, but the album still retains a contemporary feel, like Madlib beats. "Laredo 77" will delight future diggers and songs like the jazzy "Baretta" and "Chema's Contraband" seriously knock.

 

The mellow mid tempo tracks really shine. Find the shade and wait for night fall and the unhurried funk of "Brown Wind and Fire," the immaculate groove of "They Don't Know" or the ebb and flow of the title track.

 

Brownout exude a chilled and palpable chemistry, the only criticism might be that "Chafa Khan" is the only song that shares the live atmosphere of their main project (Grupo Fantasma), Brownout may seem more nonchalant but are just as nice.

 

Of course the Brown in their name heats up the music at all times, adding that South Texas appeal. The smooth and superbly named "Sexican" and "Con el Brownout no se juega" are taught yet fluid Latin funk shots. Fierce tracks like "El Narco" show they can do intensity from the first trumpet solo. Furious and tight, Narco pants, jabs, shimmys, shakes, pauses; then bursts into some mean percussion from Johnny Lopez and Sweet Lou.

 

It's been suggested that a brownout can be readily reversed by lying down, with Homenajae the best option is to get on up.

 

- Sonia N.