MF Robots: III (Part One)

That’s The Way; Children Of The World; The Pressure; Glide; Lay It Back; Hello Sunshine; Through The Pain; Show Us The Way

Good People Records

MF Robots return with a blend of soul and funk mixed with a touch of acid jazz; the latter genre is not surprising, as Jan Kincaid was the drummer, vocalist and co-writer with the Brand New Heavies. Along with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dawn Joseph, they make up MF Robots.

Over eight tracks, MF Robots pay homage to the soul greats, adding at the same time a modern twist. Earth, Wind & Fire get a nod on Glide, which recalls Fantasy – one of their biggest hits.

Fans of the duo will already be familiar with some of the tracks here, with a few already having a single release. The most immediate song here is Hello Sunshine, which is a bright, breezy and buoyant affair – the track is the closest one to the Brand New Heavies.

Elsewhere the emphasis remains on the soulful tip with the opening number. That’s The Way is a breezy and uptempo number that sees MF Robots coming out of their comfort zone, confident, assured and in charge.

Children Of The World is an acknowledgement of simpler times – a message not to lose that youthful energy when anything seems possible.

The Pressure is not the most immediate song on the album; the melody is addictive and alluring, which might be a slow burner but ultimately reveals itself as one of the best tracks on the album.

Show Us The Way concludes this alluring album, mixing the Latin soulful vibes of Louie Vega when in his guise of Elements of Life and MF Robots' own track, Make That Call. The song is an optimistic and uplifting end to an album that will be enjoyed not just by their fans but anyone else who discovers that soul music that has a groove in its step and a solid bond in its heart is still being made.