Posted on 06/19/2009
Ubiquity Records’ longstanding reputation as a “could never be questioned” entity, due in part to many stellar releases from a diverse pool of artists such as Sa-Ra, Clutchy Hopkins, and Breakestra to name a few, is still in tact. With such a strong roster, Bay Area multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Nino Moschella has managed to add serious weight and a steady funk groove to the list with his latest release Boom Shadow. Nino Moschella has managed to take the very best of funk, soul, R&B, rock and combine them into a mix of sound and styles that cannot be denied.

After the short, aptly named intro “Begin,” the funk rolls in heavy on “Sleep” with Moschella immediately employing his soulful falsetto over intricate drums. Beyond Moschella’s harmonies and the drums, there is no other instrument at play until much later in the song. Moschella’s strong lyrics are the true highlight. “Time of Day” starts funky, fast and never lets up. There is a sound present that would call listeners to compare this track to something a certain famous artist out of the great city of Minneapolis would conjure.

Similarities to the Purple One aside, Moschella remains original throughout. “We Fight” is a somber tune highlighting the struggles of a failing relationship. Although it is 2009, the track would sound right at home in 1979 – or even earlier. Strong lyrics, great backing music and Moschella’s vocals all work in perfect unison. “Continue to Call” updates the soulful funk to present day levels. Moschella’s voice is less drowned in the mix and jumps out over the steady percussion and guitars that back him. “New Orleans” is a full instrumental number and the band (of which one should assume Moschella had many parts to play) is at full, frenetic force. It is not an easy listen as guitars warble, drums come in hard and fast and it all sounds like chaos in motion.

The LP comes to a fitting close with “I Love Myself” and a stellar, unnamed bonus track. With “I Love Myself,” Moschella’s band jams into the sunset with some rather cute warbling from a toddler. The bonus track is an almost haunting number that is a departure from the playful funk present through out the record but works nonetheless. Moschella goes away from the falsetto in parts and sounds excellent doing so. With Boom Shadow, Moschella has added another excellent piece alongside his previous work. Fans of funk, soul, expertly penned lyrics and music in general will enjoy this disc.

- D.L. Chandler