After stellar two volumes of Black Sabbath covers, the Grammy-winning Latin-funk powerhouse Brownout forges ahead with new music with the Over the Covers EP.
Never content to stand in one place, the band brought its driving bass, two screaming guitars, percussion and monster horn attack back, and infused the four original songs with Alex Marrero’s fully engaged voice. The result is the Brownout I always love with a new sense of urgency and maturity.
“Evolver” is a case in point in this transition. The track tackles prejudice and isolation over the moving backbeat Brownout is known for. Marrero’s urgent, funky deliver matches the force of the horn section and guitars perfectly. “Evolver” starts the EP with this powerhouse band firing on all cylinders.
“You Don’t Have to Fall” keeps the boil going, with the guitars and horn section combining Latin and African funk elements yet recalling ’70s black-power anthems. “Things You Say,” lyrically, is dark and brooding, in contrast to the infectious groove the percussion and drums paint. It’s hard not to dance, despite the tale of relationship woe. Brownout closes Over the Covers with “Super Bright,” a stirring and psychedelic instrumental which, while strong, seems out of place compared to the proceeding songs with vocals.
Here’s hoping this is just a quick and delicious taste of a full album coming soon. Welcome back, Brownout!
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