Afrofreque

Jewels & Gems (Frequeshow Music)

Building on the funky formula of 2008’s Fresh Soul Frequencies, Austin party purveyors Afrofreque mine P-Funk, Ozomatli, and Digital Underground to unearth Jewels & Gems, a slick set of synthesized global party jams. The catchy title track oozes positive vibrations and stands out as a single on an album dominated by the loose juice of tracks like “When the Feelin’s Right.” Stoned funk, “The Recipe” melds the locals’ ingredients with gooey grooves, while “For the Ladies” props sexy curves and cabooses. Tigre Liu growls with one of the most distinctive voices in local hip-hop, stalking the beat with off-the-top party bars meant to keep asses shaking. It’s a formula that makes Afrofreque better experienced live, but Jewels & Gems captures some of that in-the-flesh high energy.

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This article appears in February 11 • 2011.

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Thomas Fawcett has been freelancing for The Austin Chronicle since 2007. He likes good music and does not fake the funk.