LINK TO SOUTHEAST PERFORMER REVIEW

CD OF THE MONTH



Judi Chicago - Judi Chicago
Recorded and mixed by Judi Chicago
Mastered by Randy Garcia

The latest offering from the Atlanta duo of Ben Coleman and Travis Thatcher, Judi Chicago is an infectious revelation of dance-synth hooks, funky kick-start drums and playful witticisms. Borrowing a little from 70s funk, 80s new wave and the electro-pop of the 90s, Judi Chicago is one part Parliament Funkadelic, one part Carter: The Unstoppable Sex Machine and one part Groove Armada. Though the music is obviously infectious and attention-grabbing, the ridiculous lyrics gain a spotlight all of their own, being unapologetically light-hearted, goofy and abstract.

The music rides high over feverish melodies and some truly movement-inspiring harmonies. But though the music rises one notch above a lo-fi aesthetic, the discordance of the drum machine can get a bit tedious. Still, the use of distorted guitars, cowbells, psychedelic sound waves and random snaps and pops thickens the hollow sound of sequenced riffs and staccato drum beats, taking the album a good few steps away from the monotenous.

The kinetic, foot-stomping rhythms in "Mad Ape" would probably feel at home at a dance club or as the soundtrack to a party. The slow-building space jam, "Chick Filler" is slightly reminiscent of The Gap Band's "You Dropped a Bomb On Me," only more lascivious and less soulful. It still remains one of the best tracks on the CD, though. At the end of the day, Judi Chicago's latest raucous delight doesn't disappoint in the freakout department, and it's got enough grooves to entertain a party of one. (Self-released)

www.myspace.com/judichicago

-Charley Lee