Album Review: DTF - Another Side of the Sound

DTF

Another Side of Sound

***and1/2 out of *****

The debut offering from the new organ based trio DTF is a throwback to jazzy/funky instrumental outings from the 60's as Another Side of Sound is retro in all the right ways. Even the album cover screams wood paneling in basements and ashtrays in McDonalds before the tunes kick off. 

Combining the talents of drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce), guitarist Ari Teitel (Dumpstaphunk), keyboardist Sam Fribush (Hiss Golden Messenger), whose last name initials make up the group's name, the band seem to flow with ease. Each musician has been established in the funky/jam/jazz waters and are confident in their focus of this record. Not wanting to reinvent the wheel, the players set out to deliver a chill listening experience and they deliver. 

Recorded straight to a vintage Tascam 388 tape machine over two days at Colorado Sound Studio in Denver, the trio let it roll from the start. Opener "Rolex" sets the tone before two upbeat funky numbers, "Good Morning" with spacey synths and "Uncle T" kick up the energy with Deitch's drums leading the way. 

The group isn't all fast motoring as tracks like "Watch This" and silky smooth closer "Wait Up" allow Teitel's sharp guitar lines to spread out and soothe. The soulful get down vibes get amped up for the sweet sounding "Compassion" showcasing Fribush's organ work. The title track is a great, quick, snapshot of their individual strengths working together as the kicked up beats, sticky sweet guitar and swirling keys mesh perfectly. 

Oddly one of the better grooves, "Chester" cuts off right when it is building up speed while "Shama", one of the lesser jams, sticks around too long, but the group do a solid job of keeping things fresh. One way is with their cover choices that most listeners will recognize. A smooth spin through The Allman Brothers "Midnight Rider" and a jazz laced get down version of Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" are both top notch variations on the originals.    

While there lots of influences on the album, one that seems to shine brightest is Dennis Coffey. While less guitar-centric, DTF's sound seems to proceed in that "Scorpio" like fashion, slick funk with a touch of grit and grime just under the surface.  

A fun ride all around, here's hoping there is more to come from this trio as DTF's Another Side of Sound is a winning mix of retro funk and soulful jazz instrumentals with pop sensibilities.  

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