With the tinkling percussion and full-bodied wash of synths in bouncy sun-lit lead-off track and first single “Before We Lose Our Mind,” The Hip Abduction – vocalist/guitarist David New, Pat Klemawesch (ngoni, kora, guitar), bassist Chris Powers, Dave Johnson (baritone and tenor sax), keyboardist Paul Chlapowski (keyboards) and drummer Matt Poynter – introduces brand new sophomore full-length, Gold Under the Glow.
A bit of a departure from 2013’s Michael Goldwasser-produced eponymous LP, Gold Under the Glow was recorded in Nashville with Dabney Morris (Wild Cub) and his influence on the band’s direction is clear; the Afro-beat textures remain in threaded notes of kora and ngoni and percussive-fueled rhythms, the funk and reggae vibes come out in basslines that range from dub thumps to grooving pulses, but soaring synthesizers add dance-pop polish and imbue their summery sounds with another layer of bright melody. THA lands in their hometown on the tail end of an East Coast tour, on the date Gold Under the Glow hits the public via ILS Group/Caroline/Universal, and throws an album release party to mark the occasion.
Warm-up on this night comes from reggae-rock singer-songwriter Mike Pinto and ska-punk fusers UNRB, and takes place this Fri., March 18, at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg. Admission is $20. Purchase tickets here. Check out the first four cuts from the LP below.
This article appears in Mar 10-16, 2016.