Backtracking Forward: Wanted On Wax VII

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What does it mean to be part of a family? Some define this in the literal sense as being dictated by a blood relation but for others, the notion of what constitutes a family transcends blood and surpasses any genetic affiliation. “The Band Called FUSE” is a family of talented, like-minded musicians”more than that they are a cohort of comrades merging their musical abilities to produce a unified sound they have dubbed soul-rock. The people they have labeled as their kinsfolk extend beyond any blood connection as they have opened their arms and embraced a cavalcade of MCs, vocalists, DJs and instrumentalists whom they have dubbed their brothers and sisters. Their home is the stage and every performance continues to solidify the bonds that keep this musical lineage strong.

Their music contains a funk-flavored rhythm fused with elements of jazz, rock and hip hop instrumentation. Each player contributes their own distinct flair to the music, resulting in a diverse combination of genres layered throughout all their recordings. From Soul Qloc’s beat-constructing skills on the MPC to Toast’s funky and jazzy bass thwapping, the band knows how to blend the right ingredients to achieve solid perfection. And because various MCs have joined their ranks to extrapolate upon their sound, one can hear distinct influences ranging from gospel to soul to hip hop in the vocals on their recent album, The Band Called FUSE Presents Soul Rebels Vol. 1. Just like the band’s concept of what defines a family, FUSE bring together a conglomeration of genres and influences under one umbrella and provide a space for all styles of music to feel at home.

FUSE and the Soul Rebels family excel at creating music that gives a voice to raw emotion. The adrenaline fueled “Good Morning (Wake Up).” recreates the rush felt upon starting a new day with confidence and positive energy as one is ready to tackle any obstacle that gets in the way. The light and gentle introduction on the keyboard simulates those first few seconds of awareness upon waking, as the crash of Pocket’s unstoppable drums and the spits of the MCs then set the stage of a new day. FUSE explores the deeper depths of the human condition with the somber yet compelling sounds of “Pressure.” The group drops the tempo a few hefty notches and create a dark and grave mood via spacey and ethereal notes from the keyboard and slow, heavy drawls from the bass and drums. Soul Qloc’s gruff vocals help shape the track in its exploration of morose and painful emotions that one can feel the powerful burden of through the speakers.

Standing alone, the instrumentalists behind FUSE are remarkably proficient at generating incredible grooves yet when they open up the mic to the rest of their family, the results are staggering. “Korbelebration” features the lyrical styling of Silent Knight”an MC who has collaborated heavily with FUSE and the Soul Rebels family. The fast and punchy rhythm on this track compliments his quick and concise flow as he builds up the energy alongside the equally impassioned band. Both this cut and the multi-faceted “Singularity” highlight the incomparable keyboard playing of Jack Leary interspersed between the MC’s potent verses. His prowess on the instrument stands out prominently throughout every recording yet these cuts truly showcase a musician who is a force to be reckoned with. “Singularity” gives Leary the space to take off on a frantic, Pink Floyd-esque journey that at first might seem unbefitting for the track but as Silent Knight and the rest of the troupe join suite, the chaos is channeled into an earth-shattering finale.

The band concludes their magnum opus with the guitar-laden track, “Tomorrow” which sees guitarist X unleashing an avalanche of string bending notes on top of a raw and tenacious rhythm. The electric guitar is an instrument not normally associated with hip hop yet in the realm of the genre-blazing sound of soul-rock, there are no definitions as to what should or should not be there. The music being created is inspired by feeling, emotion and passion and there are no limits as to how that sound develops. It’s found deep inside every one of the musicians who join the family and the platform FUSE has developed provides an open stage for freedom of expression whether it be through words or music.

The Band Called FUSE Presents Soul Rebels Vol. 1 was released a few months back to an overwhelming response. Live performances are the band’s specialty and whether they are headlining shows at established venues or performing at a cornucopia of underground concerts throughout the state of New Jersey, FUSE never disappoints. Though their album is still fairly fresh off the press, they haven’t slowed down as new tracks, larger gigs and more diverse collaborations continue fueling their drive. The twelve colossal songs stuffed into Soul Rebels Vol. 1 are too perfect to be confined on a cold and emotionless compact disc. With its larger than life album art and laundry list of talented performers, this release deserves a fresh pressing on wax to be consumed by analog devotees.

To keep abreast of all things happening in the Soul Rebels world, check out FUSE Planet for news, gigs and exclusive web content. Copies of their album are available for purchase on the site directly from the band, sans middle-man.

Keep Digging!
-Gregorious-