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Troy Kingi - Album Review: The Ghost of Freddie Cesar

10 Sep 2020 // A review by Ben Ruegg

Genius. Honestly.

10 albums over 10 years in 10 different genres.

Album number four brings us into the funk world and honestly, it is almost as if Troy and his crew found a time machine. Everything here sounds fantastic. The arrangements, songwriting, delivery, sonic qualities... I could go on and on but I mustn't.

Consistently throughout the album, right from the opening track, there is funk everywhere. Just listen to those guitars, horns and vocals. Shake That Skinny Ass is a solid way to start the album.

And while it is a funk album, there are also different genres of funk. Take for example the tracks Chronophobic Disco and King Of The Powder just to name a few. There are so many influences can be identified but they are all treated completely with respect and only make these tracks even stronger. Songs like Nam Must Stay with its heavier feel never feels out of place.

One of the staples of funk is the killer horn arrangements coupled with a super-strong rhythm section made up of bass, drums, percussion and vamping guitar. Each song approaches and brings to life these elements in unique ways. On top of that, the vocal delivery and lyrics take this to a new level. It truly sounds authentic and given a lot of time and patience. Caught In The Rain is a perfect example of this. But then again so is Through My Venetions with its incredible bass line.

The accompanying video for the single All Your Ships Have Sailed is fantastic suits the video and package of the whole album.

Troy Kingi has brought together a hell of a team that has allowed for his vision to be fleshed out and given the attention to detail it needs. The musicianship is top-notch, as is Troy's vocals and songwriting.

This is easily one of the most unique and best albums I have heard in 2020.

Right, need to bring out my turntable and play this one on that.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Troy Kingi

Troy Kingi (Te Arawa, Ngapuhi, Te Whanau-a-Apanui) is an actor and multi-award-winning, multi-genre musician from Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Described by the New Zealand Herald as “One of our finest Songwriters ”, Kingi rose to fame after the release of his first two multi-award-winning albums Guitar Party at Uncles Bach and Shake That Skinny Ass All the Way to Zygertron, along with memorable major roles in Kiwi films including ‘Hunt For The Wilderpeople’, ‘The Pa Boys’, ‘Mt Zion’ and ‘The Breaker Upperers’.

Since then he has gone on to roles in multiple New Zealand Films, TV Series, and television commercials.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Troy Kingi

Releases

Pu Whenua Hautapu, Eka Mumura
Year: 2022
Type: Album
Black Sea Golden Ladder
Year: 2021
Type: Album
The Ghost of Freddie Cesar
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Holy Colony Burning Acres
Year: 2019
Type: Album
Guitar Party at Uncle's Bach
Year: 2016
Type: Album

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