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Julie Lamb - Album Review: How Humans Think

04 Sep 2020 // A review by Corinne Rutherford

The first thing I noticed when I was blessed with a physical copy of Julie Lamb Outfit’s brand new eight track album How Humans Think, was the outstanding amount of work and love which has gone into the packaging of the CD. It is a creative thing of beauty to which I will elaborate further on. The funky Wellington based eight-piece ensemble are a collection of some of the capitals best musicians and they currently have four albums under their belt.

The best way to describe the musical style of the outfit is, funky pop with multiple layers of blues and jazz. Glorious vocals and an energetic horn section add to the lush well-rounded sound. Tied together with an infectious, witty sense of humour and obvious respect and Camaraderie between band mates.

How Humans Think is an original compilation of well written lyrics and tight production. A clean cohesive, yet rich sound radiates forth with masses of warmth. This is an album with a touch of sass and a sunny disposition.

In an album full of the wonderful and sublime, I wish to make mention of tracks one: Born With The Blues, four: Let Go and six: This Time I Won, each penned by Shan Jordan who also happens to have a superb ethereal quality to her vocals.

With many of the songs written and all but three of the tracks arranged by the entire Julie Lamb Outfit, this is yet another epic collaboration from the band. A scrumptious full sound surrounded by smooth, velvety vocals bound together by some of Wellingtons most outstanding conveyors of funky-jazzy musical brilliance.

Before I move on to the afore mentioned beauty of the CD packaging, I need to say that the ‘Band Mum’ Julie Lamb (as always), has done a magnificent job pulling everything together on this album. Right down to the Secret Squirrel Press Kit, which was appreciated greatly.

Even though I had the digital link to How Humans Think, receiving the physical CD made me smile. They may no longer be necessary, but the warm fuzzy feeling I get when presented with an actual tangible thing is priceless. The presentation and consideration that went into packaging of this CD is among the best I have seen. Design concepts by the band have been bought to life by artist Debe Mansfield, Lyric cards for each track with full lyrics are a joy to behold. However, the piece de resistance is the surprise of the glorious pop out when you open the case fully.

The packaging may be unassuming from the outside, yet the magic lies within. In more ways than one.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Julie Lamb

KICK-ARSE FUNKY POP: Get lost between the stories and the groove

The Julie Lamb Outfit is an 8 piece Aotearoa funk-pop collective - In between the stories and the groove you'll find yourself in a high energy, smile-a-minute space.

Mischief, stories, sentiment, groove. Not always in that order.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Julie Lamb

Releases

How Humans Think
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Ordinary Days
Year: 2017
Type: Album
When We Hang Out
Year: 2014
Type: Album
Trippin' The Light
Year: 2012
Type: Album
Most and Least
Year: 2008
Type: Album

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