Comprising a nine (sometimes ten) piece band that features everything from a four piece horn section to guitar, bass and Hammond organ, Cardiff based Funhouse bring a unique mix of genres including ska and R’n’ B to their latest offering. Kicking off with the title track, Magic Carpet Ride is an uplifting and breezy ska offering, hinting at the bands carefree and relaxed style. Soma has a more reggae feel which complements the Latin and R’n’ B offerings of Weather or Not and I Wanna Hold You respectively. Magic Carpet Ride is an easy listen, with a rich mix of sounds, but this sometimes makes the album feel a little overcrowded. However, this is not to say that Magic Carpet Ride isn’t a fun and entertaining album; lyrically sound with great musicianship and inspiration, it just feels like it offers more than it delivers and lacks a certain musical punch.
BJ
[xrr rating=3.5/5]
