The
Killer Meters continue to build towards the release of their second
album with a brand new single containing 2 more dancefloor monsters.
The
original Meters hailed from New Orleans and virtually defined funk
in the late 60's. The Killer Meters first emerged in 2005 with a
stunning album of Meters covers and since then they've taken on
the fantabulous Karime Kendra as a full time vocalist. This lady
is a true phenomenon. Her amazing voice and electric stage presence
is a family tradition. Her mother is the Northern Soul legend, Ty
Karim, but Miss Kendra has more than earned her own formidable reputation.
She's now rightfully regarded as one of the UK's best yet still
relatively unknown soul mistresses. Her appearances on the Killer
Meters first album drew a heap of plaudits and led to a lot of collaborations,
most recently on Shawn Lee's underground smash album "Soul In The
Hole" (Ubiquity Records). The forthcoming album showcases her at
the top of her game and this single is a little teaser showing the
styles she can attune that fine voice of hers to.
The Killer Meters were originally the brainchild of Virgil Howe
aka Sparo a producer DJ who has released a number of mix CD's and
albums on Scenario Records and a stalwart on the former London pirate
institution Itch FM. Their first album led to 4 years of heavy gigging
and and sessions with other bands. The almost constant gigging and
playing led to them being perhaps the tightest funk outfit in the
British Isles and also helped them develop their own sound. The
first single from their new album was released in late 2008 and
gave a taster of the psych/funk/fuzz/rock sound they've made their
own. They felt that 2009 was the year they had to get back into
the studio and they've been working hard on album worthy of their
new sound.
The first single left many fans of their traditional Meters style
funk sound a bit flummoxed. What was that rock guitar doing in there?
"Freak" completes the picture. It's got some of the same fuzz going
on but the drums hit harder and the keyboard riff adds some psychedelic
edges. Karime tells us a story of going out and not being able to
take her eyes off somebody "I can't take my eyes off the Freak………There's
a diva inside needing some love…." Who's the Freak here you might
ask? The band answer the question with each instrument taking a
turn to freak out, culminating in one of the heaviest drum breaks
made in recent years. This song has it all, late night tales, incredible
vocals, incredible musicianship and it has worked on every dancefloor
that the Breakin Bread crew have so far dropped it on.
The
second track "Stomp" is a complete change in style. Here the KM's
give a nod to 60's psychedelic swing records as well as the rolling
drum breaks beloved of so many northen soul stompers. Kicking things
off at a frenetic pace, Karime emplores us all to "Shout" and "Dance
All Night". In double quick time (the tune is only just over 2 minutes
long, just like a 60's pop record!) the song builds to a climax
and we challenge you not to be stomping around by the end of it.
For added value the double 7" pack contains both vocal versions
and 2 drum led breaks/dub versions for the DJ's who like to be creative.
Once again the release is beautifully packaged in true Breakin Bread
fashion. The double pack has a full colour sleeve with illustrations
from the Brighton based artist, Sri.
As well as being great studio musicians, the The Killer Meters are
super dope live. If you want to come and see the psych/funk phenomenon
live come and check them at their residency at the Jazz Café (every
other month on Breakin Bread nights, check breakinbread.org for
more info)
