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AFTERLIFE
AFTERLIFE
Simplicity
(Hed Kandi/Festival)
Afterlife is the creation of writer, producer and remixer Steve Miller (not the jazz or rock artist) who takes most of the key songwriting credits of this way kool, chilled out 'Hed Kandi' album. Taking singing honours on most of these grooves is Rachel Lloyd (the lady you can see surrounding the review).

'Dub In Ya Mind' is very laid back featuring a terrific soundscape as the backdrop. 'Never Before' and 'Cry' feature the nuevo-flamenco guitar playing of Oscar Botello Mendez. It is 'Cry' that has been remixed by Steve 'Brown Bear' Brown, and this track just takes you away. Very sensual and very dreamy. 'Show You Something' is pure sweet black soul. '5th & Avenida' is sexy, late and jazzy with a sample that sounds remarkably like Billie Holiday. Cruisy sliding rhythms, with dubby bass, dominate the sensual 'Deeper (Into Places)'. Lucie Burns features on 'Borneo Is Burning' and 'Blue Bar'. I imagine that the latter would appeal to Jose Padilla immensely. 'Blue Bar' sounds very aquatic. 'Borneo Is Burning' has a very slow penetrating, melodic tempo that is slightly reminiscent of the compositions of Karen Ramirez; and Tudor Moore provides some very beautiful-melancholy trumpet interludes. 'Glide' and 'La Nina' are both funky chilled out, drum & bass instrumentals. The latter features Tudor performing with muted horn, which adds a Miles Davis flavour. 'Breather' is modern soul, and I can imagine that this is what Minnie Rippleton would have sounded like had she been with us today.

Afterlife's Simplicity 2000 is a double CD package comprising of both the original Simplicity, including new tracks 'Makes Me Feel', 'Falling', 'Lo Delta', plus the remixes. If you prefer dubbed out grooves for the beach, cafe, bar, or a late night mood setting sexy soundstage, then Simplicity 2000 is definitely for you.
Gazz

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Afterlife