I keep trying to kid myself I am too old to be going through a mid-life crisis, but just recently I have taken a shine to a couple of funky rock releases redolent of an earlier musical craving.

Moksha is one of those and this is the latest. Beautifully produced, it sounds like it could be a bunch of West Coast musos c.1975 who've been studying with Robben Ford or Larry Carlton.

Evoking Average White Band without the horns and long-lost UK band The Movies with lashings of Jez Davies' cool keys and Nat Martin's cool guitar, this is an album to luxuriate in, maybe a guilty pleasure, but a bloody good one nevertheless.

Guest vocalist Katie Leone adds a certain Randy Crawford-esque spice to 'Evil Eye' and 'Coming On Strong' - both wouldn't be out of place on a Brand New Heavies album - and there are strong vocal performances throughout from mainman Nat and Jackie Lynton. 'Worry, Worry, Worry' is a particularly good showcase for all aspects of this band.

Yes, it's unashamedly retro but it would be a shame if this didn't reach a wider audience.

****

Review by David Randall

Album review (Moksha)