REVIEW: Drunksouls – ‘Just Before Chaos’

Artist: Drunksouls
Album: Just Before Chaos
Genre: Pop, Reggae

With a name like Drunksouls, you’re likely expecting a damn good time, and on the Marseille-based outfit’s newest album, Just Before Chaos, you’ll find exactly that. With 12 tracks spanning 46 minutes, Just Before Chaos has plenty to offer as it spans areas of reggae, pop and funk with plenty of energy and just a little bit of melancholy tossed in for added effect and dynamic. The album is labeled as “a compilation of their best work along with the brand new single.” That single, being “Chaos,” opens the effort on a high note and a great introduction to the band for those unfamiliar with their work.

The most impressive thing about Drunksouls as a whole is their ability to mesh genres and elements that typically wouldn’t seem to integrate well. “Chaos” encapsulates that notion entirely as the structure initially offers a very ska / punk / reggae feel but somehow manages to incorporate guitar solos and dramatic layers of orchestration that all meld into one impressive genre-bending creation. While the majority of Just Before Chaos is deeply rooted in reggae, nearly every track offers up similar sonic variations and dynamic excitement with pop factors that keep the energy high.

The ultra smooth “J’ai fait un reve” brings a whole new set of talents to the table with beautiful instrumentation and an entirely different vibe. While still wholly upbeat overall, the track has a kind of cutesy, folky pop element and bluesy guitar bits that bring Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers to mind. It’s easily one of my favorite songs on the album, and even though it’s in French and I don’t understand a lick of the lyrics, it just goes to show the true power of music and its universal qualities that translate no matter what the language may be.

The following track, “Dear Lady,” is downright beautiful. Again, this is evidence of the massive scope in which Drunksouls’ individual and collective talents and capabilities lie. Even reaching almost six minutes in length, it never overstays its welcome. It’s got a suave French swagger that’s undeniably smooth and welcoming. “Pain Of Life” furthers the span with a ridiculously funky vibe; Seinfeld theme-like slap bass, completely kick-ass fusion drumming, and supercharged, in-your-face energy that would make any RHCP fan smile with approval. “L’amour dietetique” is another personal favorite that surprisingly relies on electronics to aid in its delivery. A silky beat, piano parts, and almost eerie keyboards make this one of the most solid tracks from beginning to end offering yet another massive hit of variety to Just Before Chaos.

I think I’ve clearly driven the point home that Drunksouls’ wheelhouse is rather vague. The band doesn’t play it safe, and they’re all the better for it. Their influences are as vast as their talents and they use them accordingly to create intriguing songs with impressive instrumentation. Just Before Chaos may drag a tad in a few places of repetition but those moments are few and far between, not to mention easily forgotten once you find yourself greeted with the moments of truly inspired creativity.

SCORE: 8/10
Review written by: Brian Lion — (Follow him on Twitter)

Brian Leak
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