On Feb. 9, Galactic will release their eighth album, “Ya-Ka-May,” on Anti Records. For this album, the band from New Orleans has tried to stick with their roots and signature sound, which incorporates influences from a hip-hop style called “bounce.”
Bounce music is a high-energy style of hip-hop that originated in New Orleans. It takes influences from many Mardi Gras Indian chants and dance call-outs, with lyrics that are usually highly sexual over a repetitive melody and fast beat. Although this style originated as late as the 1980s, bounce music still remains highly popular, primarily in the Deep South.
“Ya-Ka-May” features all-new material generated by the band in collaboration with a wide variety of New Orleans artists ranging from iconic figures to the younger veterans to the underground music scene. These musical guests help incorporate jazz, brass bands, R&B, gospel and rock to produce a truly uniquely sounding album.
From beginning to end this album gives listeners a backstage pass to the underground world of Southern hip-hop. All but two tracks feature talents from the jazz, hip-hop, brass band or bounce musical scenes.
“Boe Money” features trumpets from The Rebirth Brass Band. This song is reminiscent of sounds that could be heard blasting from the trendiest Miami dance club. The song not only utilizes horns, but also a fast-paced drumbeat, tambourine and guitars.
Bounce-style artist Big Freeda offers the band some vocals on the dance track “Double It.”
Established soul vocalist Irma Thomas sets an earthy, uplifting tone on “Heart of Steel.”
“Deep down inside/ I got a heart of steel/ I’ll take the pain/ and turn it into something real.”
Another musical veteran, Big Chief Bo Dollis, gives a touch of funk with his old-school blues-influenced vocals on the track “Wild Man.”
Influential New Orleans artist Allen Toussaint lays down solid lyrics on “Bacchus.”
“If you don’t want to be left behind/ there’s room for you/ get in line.”
Novice artists Trombone Shorty and Corey Henry are given a chance to shine on “Cineramascope.”
Rounding out the album, “Do It Again (Again)” blends elements from rock, rap and hip-hop into a gritty, industrial, DJ-scratched outtro that leaves listeners banging their heads and wanting more.
This release from the five-man group comprised of drummer Stanton Moore, bassist Robert Mercurio, saxophonist/harmonica player Ben Ellman, keyboardist Richard Vogel and guitarist Jeff Raines helps to reaffirm these musicians’ status among the funkiest, up-and-coming New Orleans talents.
Galactic will be performing at The Nightlight in Bellingham on Feb. 24 and at Showbox at the Market in Seattle on Feb. 26. For more information about tickets, visit the band’s website at www.galacticfunk.com.
