MonoNeon
Quilted Stereo
**** out of *****
There are very few individuals who twist modern music to their tastes these days and succeed, MonoNeon is one of them, and Quilted Stereo is his best album yet.
The Memphis native Dywane Eric Thomas Jr. has been delivering his bass laden funk for years now, but by bringing on a few legends and amping up his production sound, Quilted Stereo hits a high-water mark for his solo career. Starting with an intro from none other than Dr. Funkenstein himself, George Clinton, MonoNeon announces himself on a larger stage.
Clinton sticks around adding vocals on "Quilted!" which talks directly to Thomas' unique fashion sense with thudding beats, rumbling bass and digital bleeps and buzzes which fill out speakers with power. MonoNeon got his first break by playing bass with Prince and "Jelly Roll" is a fitting homage to the purple one with dance ready beats and silky synths straight out of the early 80's.
Thomas also has a pronounced spiritual side as shown on the gospel influenced "Full Circle" which brings on Mavis Staples to sing and exclaim, 'this is a fun song' as the funk grows towards the finale. The soulful "Church Of Your Heart" is touching with a positive message and choir, but as a flip side to his sweetness, "Another Man's Treasure", uses skittering drums, synths and a ripping guitar solo to close, all while Thomas sings about stealing his friends girl.
The only misstep on Quilted Stereo is the mid album ballad "Stereo" which goes on too long with strings, admirably questioning lyrics, but vocals which don't measure up. However, "Segreghetto" is a unique winner using pulsing club ready sounds under earnest political unity lyrics. These tunes spread Thomas' wings and show his range while "Crown and Coke" is right in his wheelhouse, a Saturday night party song that bumps with deep funk, while pushing positivity and a helluva good time.
MonoNeon's talent is clear from the first time you hear him warp his bass solos, however, on Quilted Stereo, the funk and song writing come together like a pattern grandma sowed herself.
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