The combination of Quantic, Alice Russel and the Combo Bárbaro came somewhat unexpectedly but has made perfect sense since the very first listen: a musical visionary full of ideas for the next 60 years conducts a band that’s undeservedly underrated, carried by a voice from the present. »Look Around the Corner« leads us through various genres with a selection of, on the whole, wonderful tracks, of which most have a relaxing effect without ever being boring. Latin-American sounds are all around, sometimes in a funky (»Magdalena [Reprise]«), sometimes jazzy, (»Travelling Song«), sometimes dubby (»Su Suzy«) manner; then something sounds like Cumbia (»Road To Islay«) or like a peculiar western-soundtrack (»Similau«). Even the compositions that are merely »average« have more to offer than many contemporary albums, like the souly »Magdalena« or the Boogaloo on »Boogaloo 33«. The icing on the cake is »Look Around The Corner«, which achieves its very special appeal through switching back and forth between relaxation and energy, or »I’ll Keep My Light in My Window« with its extra-dose of soul in the style of Marlena Shaw. All in all, it’s a very diverse sound full of warmth, a bucket load of feeling and a voluptuous repertoire of their very own sounds.
Various Artists
Shanghai’d Soul: Episode 12
The Numero Group