The seacoast-based funky, ska, jam band Freevolt’s latest full length CD Take The Product is loaded with danceable, fun numbers that make one feel their tremendous ability for expression. Each song says a lot, their music being full of twists and turns, peaks and valleys, and just some good old fashioned clever hooks. There is a lot going on inside of Freevolt’s music and their enthusiasm can be felt as they make their listener appreciate their love of life, joy, and freedom.
Opening track “Offshore Winds” has an island beat that makes one want to jump up and down to its infectious hopping quality. Lead vocalist Michael Bernier phrases his lyrical verses with a clever expression, moving at a brisk clip through his words while keeping them lighter than air. The elusive quality of his vocal approach, ironically, makes one want to follow him more intently because there is magic in what he’s doing at the microphone. Anchoring the song, drummer John Spurr does a fine job pumping infection energy into this and other pieces through out this album.
Lead guitarist Eddie Hargreaves pulls the listener right into the breezy joy of “I Came Here Alone.” His phrasing is particularly incisive, cutting right into the middle of the groove without overwhelming the instrumentation above or below. Keyboardist Gary Recchia applies a bracing, firm organ melody that makes you want to hop into his vehicle and go along for the ride. Bernier, meanwhile, keeps doing his special vocal delivery, sounding uniquely upbeat and chirpy, even when he and the band punctuate the song with their firm delivery of the chorus-song title.
“Piece Of Paradise” takes things down low into a mellow groove. Sublime beauty from a subtle electric guitar seems to be holding peaceful hands with a handsome acoustic guitar strum. Bernier ushers us along gently, keeping his vocal phrase tastefully, respectfully self-restrained. This ditty just oozes out of the stereo speakers with a bright, sunny attitude and an easeful groove smooth enough to skate across. Reggae influences in Recchia’s keyboard application adds a lot to the peaceful groove while Hargreaves finds a space to let loose his free style, mellifluous phrase.
Perhaps the catchiest track on the album, “Should Should” makes one want to sing along to its infectious chorus. Lyrically, this song asks if one would act if one’s community was in danger. Musically, it answers in a bright, proud affirmative. Island influenced coos, jazzy saxophone from Jonathan Bousquet, running organ motion, and a lifted rhythm section makes this feel light and ephemeral, like something on needs to grab hold of fast before it slips away for all time. Hargreaves lets go with another spirited guitar phrase and its pull cannot be denied. His phrasing feels less like a showy display of guitar power than a release of the spirit in a passionate expression.
Bousquet pulls the listener into “Still Don’t Feel” with a highly inspired, island influenced sax line. Bousquet continues laying down his peaceful, unobtrusive sax joy ride in the backdrop of this festive, mid-tempo pop piece. Bernier’s handsome accent is particularly easy to appreciate here. He moves his voice at an infectious clip, pacing himself well while releasing nice dollops of expression. The whole song just swings around a lively beat in a way that makes you feel an instant affinity for it.
Hip acoustic guitar picking and strumming kicks off “Face Of Sin.” a big daddy of cool number that lets the band indulge a bit into their funkier side. Bernier gets into an easeful groove as the band engages with a variety of fine touches. Mat Maier’s bass guitar creates an infectious, pulpy groove, continuing his indulgence with a juicy good solo all the while holding up the melody instruments.
Title track “Take The Product” manages to be a fun, catchy rocker while it travels in the fast lane toward a feeling of destiny. Bernier belts out with unusual aggression without ever losing his island charm. Lead guitar and saxophone take turns blaring the main melody line before the chorus returns to remind of the radio potential of this song.
“Outside” features Recchia playing an oldies style piano melody that delights the ear with its brittle tone. He holds other parts of the song together with an organ dash that runs alongside a poppy sax line. Together, the two instruments weave a magical spell, melodic joy that expresses all of the freedom this band has to offer. Did I mention that this song’s guitar phrase is a pleasantly surprising eruption of cool?
Dramatic guitar, bass, and drums introduce the eerie, edgy closing track “Tumblin,” a song haunted by a spooky tone Bernier adopts for this tale. Hints of danger, intrigue, and mystery lace their way through this piece with mischievous grace. Lyrics about stones tumbling down make the listener hope this is all fiction, as the lyrical imagery and a lead guitar phrase grinding out an element of suspense make one feel trapped in a Perils Of Pauline scenario.
Freevolt has come up with a lot of very cool, highly enjoyable music on this full length CD, Take The Product. An engaging and unique vocalist fronting a crack team of spirited players give this entire album a feeling of spiritual rebellion.
www.michaelbernierandtheuprising.com
