CD Review

Grand Central Station, on any day of the week, is full of great musicians from all over the world spreading their musical words and messages to hundreds of thousands of people everyday. Mecca Bodega is a group that sharpened its skills in this competitive and creative environment by plowing its way to the surface and spreading their music outside the subway stations of the city.

On their sixth studio album, Skin, this large group of percussionists blend complex rhythmic statements with a fiery energy that evokes images of everything from busy city streets to expansive wide open country sides. Mecca Bodega’s sound is reminiscent of some of the great percussion field recordings by Mickey Hart, while latching onto a contemporary flavor.

Most of the songs on Skin are based around one solid drum beat throughout and form a trance sound that only slightly varies. The substance of the trance can be found in the songs “Smoke” and “Kegger.” Each of these tunes move the listener into a deep spiritual connectedness when fully absorbed. The true highlight of Skin is the song “Right Now,” which has a jazzy flavor that is accented by sly horn flushes and a true to form New York City attitude. However, at times Mecca Bodega lets their trance side overwhelm to the point of becoming slightly monotonous. Repetition aside, Skin possesses soul that will be enjoyed by fans of percussion and world music as well as lovers of eclectic and non-mainstream musical styles.