Dr Rubberfunk – My Life at 33
November 15th, 2006 by rui
‘My Life at 33′ is a punchy affair, which dares you not to listen up. It’s fat and funky, but not furiously so. Sleazy, sultry and laid back are probably more apt terms for this sophisticated composition. Depending on the track, it’ll either have you singing along or nailed to the dance floor, with its knowing references to classic grooves – disco, Latin, funk, hip hop, jazz.
I love the slide guitar and country feel of ‘Live Wired’. Whilst ‘Theme For a Latter day Lothario’ feat Rogiers is probably my favourite track, offering lush sampled piano chords overlaid with Rogiers very seductive vocals. It has the sampladelic feel of Flevans and the aching beauty of RJD2’s ‘Ghostrider’ laced with stone cold classic soulfullness. Rogiers has his own music pedigree, as do other featured artists – vocalist Bridgette Amofah , Ben Castle (yes that’s Roy’s son) who plays sax on ‘Minus Three’ and ‘Falling and Taking Over’.
The music’s imbued at times with blues yet its composer Dr Rubberfunk (aka Simon Ward) will also chase your blues away with this uplifting and light-hearted tapestry incorporating intelligent samples, fresh new sounds and beautifully executed live instrumentals.
‘My Life at 33′ is a seriously competent second album. Upbeat and danceable, ‘Blow Away’ the Grey is surely hit material for the funk chart. I boogied along immediately. Rowden’s vocals work well. But I heard direct from the source that ‘Taking Over’ will actually be the next single, and will include an Ashley Beedle remix.
You should know that Rubberfunk isn’t any one trick pony – on top of his production skills he plays guitar, bass, drums and trombone!
The vibe of this album isn’t exactly driven – for me it’s more road trip. But it’s a meandering road trip, which had me feeling Spanish Harlem, to Afro Beat through Soul City to nu funk. An audacious fusion, which, you really have to hear for yourself.
Listen for the ‘hidden’ track at the end (Heavy Street) and if you’re like me, await the vinyl version.
If this is your life at 33 Rubberfunk, roll on the next birthday!
Linda Spence
‘My Life at 33′ by Dr Rubberfunk is out now on Southern Fried
