With genres continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, and as we progressively move into new depths with both technology and innovation, it’s become apparent that many new bands are still merely recycling, rather than reinventing. The rebirth of repetitive funk beats, combined with the relative ease with which novice musicians can lock in on trance grooves has spawned an entire new spectrum of bands that can lay it down, but can’t offer much else. It has gotten way past the point of all sounding the same.
Those listeners looking for a new artist with the capability of rewriting the standards of what you’ve come to expect, you‘ve found it. Amun Ra are not only separating themselves from the atypical, they are establishing an entire new level for newcomers to attain.
The intimacy of the Lizard Lounge was the perfect backdrop for Amun Ra’s soulful and honest collage of style and emotion. Settling into the historic room, the band locked into a dark and dripping trip-hop beat, slowly easing in the accompaniment of guest DJ Axel Foley. Smooth acid jazz and ambient interlays flowed evenly throughout the early part of the set, led by the melodic tones of guitarist Misha Rutman. Unlike many bands that rely on the Moog and synthesizers to provide the primary trance element, Amun Ra’s sound allows Rutman to create his own definitive space. On songs such as "Time", the band touches on early-era Jamiroquai rhythms, and he leads the band in and out of the jam, riding it along at will.
A collective power, the group gains strength from all angles, though it was the soft and sultry vocals of Emily Fisher that overwhelmed the audience. Her voice is the essential ingredient that could quickly rise Amun Ra from bar band to established club player in a short time. A confident stage presence and vibrant vocal range reminiscent of PJ Harvey, Fisher is a welcomed breath of fresh air to a scene dominated with radster guys in retro-Ts. She can slide in and own a lofty jazz ballad, and then equally dominate a stomping backbeat. On "All Eye C," Fisher delivered a soothing, late night whisper, and on the set closer of Paul Simon’s "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," she showcased her abilities on all sides, as the song shifts from folk to marching beat to soul and back again.
Composed of accomplished musicians with talented songwriting skills, we can only expect great things from the band in the studio as well. Their first full length is due out this Spring.
Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Sylvan
