Alien Funk - Cosmic Romp
This article was originally posted on the S&R Blog.
There is something special about putting our your first album as a band. The rush of excitement as you watch the number of monthly listeners going up validates your inner thought of “this album sounds great!” Cosmic Romp knows this feeling as the DC based pop-rock, funk group has released their debut EP, Alien Funk.
Alien Funk is the perfect name for this album. From funky bass lines thrown by Ben Trajtenberg, the hard hitting drums of Joseph Wood, the out-of-this-world guitar sounds by David Rothman and rap/rock vocals of Eric Taylor come together to produce music that can only be described as an extraterrestrial ear worm! Yes, these song get stuck in your head, yes it is amazing! Let’s get started!
Up first is Alien Funk, a groovy number lead by a killer bass line and supported by unworldly guitar sounds. Before I go any further, I want to note how incredible this record sounds – it was recorded in a friend’s bedroom and a drum rehearsal space! Proof you don’t need a high end studio to make a great sounded record! After a few tight verses and choruses, the listener is taken on a blissful journey that is driven heavily by a reverberated guitar as Eric builds up the suspense. Alien Funk indeed!
Blaster is up next which adds more funky goodness as well as lyrical humor! This is rap, rock and funk at its finest here. The bands right groove is further highlighted by Tom Morello inspired guitar solos.
Space Horses starts off by taking the bpm down a bit and instantly goes into double time once the chorus starts. This is my favorite song live – if you live in the DC area, you need to check these guys out – as the energy in the venue instantly transforms as everyone yells “Hey” in unison! Space Horses is definitely a crowd pleaser as everyone can partake. Now that is spectacular song crafting.
Tasty is built on a tasty (hey!) bass groove that springboards the others into a darker, more soulful driven jam. Bandana Jam has one of the coolest guitar riffs I’ve ever heard in a while! It’s like a funky Phish Riff – go listen to it yourself! The song’s breakdown is where more live magic occurs. The groovy syncopated instruments are highlighted by the jump routine of both bassist and guitarists. Fun is had by all in Cosmic Romp. The song is filled with musical greatness from the upbeat lyrics, space like solo and more addictive riffs!
Second to last is Say Hello To The Bad Guy. This is another fun song (say hello to Liam Nesson references) driven heavily by another bass riff – these guys are filled with riffs! It’s rifftastic! David works his space magic on a whammy pedal as he creates call and response guitar fills… with himself! The bridge breakdown is filled with monk-life chorus and more whammy pedaled guitar sounds! This song will definitely wake your ears up and get them to say hello! The monk-sounds are back to end the song giving this tune a somber yet beautiful ending.
If there was one song I could use to sum up the joy that is Cosmic Romp, it would be the last song ok the album – Get Down. It’s fun, has a hooku chorus, blistering guitar licks and a killer groove. It is the pinnacle of the album and the perfect wrap up song as Eric belts out “the definition of swag, songs for you to stomp, welcome to the Cosmic Romp!”
Now hold on while I bend over and pick-up the microphone they just dropped. Cosmic Romp has delivered funky fresh tunes and back them up with an energetic piece of interstellar cosmos. Go check out Alien Funk on Spotify, Apple Music and look for their upcoming shoes here.
Until next time, let the music play!