Discosis

Sometimes success is a dangerous thing. Whereas Bran Van 3000’s debut Glee was recorded with a collection of their friends, the success of the sublime ‘Drinking In LA’ has opened up the music world’s address book to BV3 mainman James Di Salvio.

His choice of guests is actually pretty cool – Curtis Mayfield, Youssou N’Dour, Eek-A-Mouse and Big Daddy Kane to name a few – but so keen is he to make use of them that their input threatens to swamp his own band (essentially vocalists Jayne Hill and Sara Johnston).

The Curtis Mayfield-assisted ‘Astounded’ is a funky enough opener, but more often than not it’s the tracks without the guests that catch the ear. ‘Loop Me’ is reminiscent of a more poppy, soulful Massive Attack, with ‘Predictable’ and ‘Speed’ almost indie style strummers and ‘Rock Star’ a sweet, irony laden acoustic lilt.

‘Loaded’ is the one moment when their vision truly comes together, a punky number with a cool-as-ice female vocal, brass section, hip hop breakbeats and rap from Big Daddy Kane.

More miss than hit, perhaps Bran Van 3000 should spend a bit more time looking to themselves next time round.