Planet Groove
Joy Ride
April 2002

Wait, I’ve seen that car! If I never saw the inside cover to the CD, I would have never guessed that there were only five guys making all of the sounds on this album. I would of imagined eight, nine, maybe even twelve. If you like to have your neurons tickled, then this album is for you. An interesting mix of funk, jazz and Latin beats fill my living room forcing me to clean and keep busy with the occasional break for a minor panic attack. The album from beginning to end doesn’t stop. No break, no rest, just full balls to the wall. Even the mellow tracks are filled with enough mental energy to keep you moving. The guitar licks supplied by John Medeiros, seem to have a little taste of the legendary Carlos Santana. An arsenal of percussion led by Ajay Coletta fills the tracks keeping the energy high and complex, and the bass supplied by Leith MacArthur, holds it down and tight. No simple grooves in this band. While listening I was amazed at how many changes there were in each song, which I feel is the jazz influence. The keys played by Aaron Wade are a true standout in this band. Always there, right on point, floating around the bass groove.

The album "Joy Ride" does feature the band covering songs by: Miles Davis (So What), Rush Hour Music (Autobahn), Vince Guaraldi (Linus & Lucy) and King Crimson (Elephant Talk). All of which have been done with the Planet Groove flavor. Adding more of a danceable feel. One of the covers I enjoyed was there rendition of the Peanuts Theme, "Linus & Lucy."

"El Torpedo" sets the tone for the album, even though it has no vocals it gives you a taste of what’s yet to come." Speaking of vocals, Larry Barron the singer in the band ads a flavor of Spanish throughout the album. "All hands," another favorite laid down by Aaron Wade is a masterpiece. Tough to listen to for a newbie, but enjoyed by the few who can truly feel it. The whole album is very enjoyable, and the name fits. The last song I wish to cover is "Kamikaze." This is the type of track musicians throw on their albums to show that they can do anything. This track can be played at Metropolis on a Saturday night, if they approached the DJ. It is a Trance/Rock/Techno mix.
One of Titan’s best picks!

You can this album at: SLIP DISC, Cowsett Avenue, Warwick, RI (401) 823-8800, The Music Box, 154 Thames Street, Newport, RI, (401) 849-6666, In Your Ear, 286 Thayer Street, Providence, (401) 861-1515.