Nostalgia 77

Nostalgia 77’s sound has coalesced even further since their last domestic release, The Garden, in 2005. "Wildflower” lays this new sound out, a disciplined Latin kit drum pattern driving an early ’70s salsa groove, complete with bellowing trombone. Vocalist Lizzy Parks is warm and open, her technique meshing well with the band’s sound. Things get iller with "Stop To Make A Change,” featuring a sassy DJ Premier-like rhythm underpinning sing-song-y choruses and outer limits sax. The spiritual slow groovers provide some of the most memorable moments: "Quiet Dawn,” with Beth Rowley, is regal. To its great credit, it’s hard to pin down specific references with Everything Under The Sun. There are definite nods to Sun Ra, Strata East, jazzy Fania, and ’70s Ethiopia but the band have their own sound, which seamlessly incorporates the influences in the whole. Within a context of repeating grooves EQed for a dance floor, Nostalgia 77 have created a fascinating range of arrangements for the octet. "Little Steps” starts with a million dollar break then settles into a reverb and electric piano drenched cosmic beat ballad. One’s ability to enjoy this record may be tempered by the ability to enjoy its spacey vibes, but there is so much excellent interplay within the band that it’s hard not to buy in.