|
Mango Jam
Preserves
(Shanachie)
With enviable ease, the Minneapolis quintet Mango Jam has released its second major label release. While the previous Flux set out to prove the band’s ability to cover a wide spectrum of styles, Preserves has a narrower focus that is no less dazzling in its scope. While Flux ranged from reggae to funk to folk, Preserves has an electric country feel with a bit of funk and soul tossed into the mix. It suits these wanderings troubadours to conjure images of small towns and yearning hearts and they do it well. From the spooked out funk of “Cloudy Skies” and “Northern Lights” to the sunshiny bop of “That’s Life,” Mango Jam manages to tie up catchy choruses with philosophical nuggets in such a way that is both illuminating and comforting. The heart races alongside the tapping toes on the soulful “Stay With Me,” while the final tune “Kalamazoo” hides a deep sentiment beneath its wonderfully electric crackle. Subtle, succint and sublime, the collective forces of Jon Herchert, Geoff Prettner, Jason Bush, Bret Erickson and Jared Rush make the creation of music seem effortless and entertaining. Preserves marks a progression in this eight-years-old band’s history. Confident and consumate, Preserves captures thoughts and observations, sealing them in convenient packages for mass consumption.
John Noyd |
