Uncle Frank - Love Lion Review
Review by: Emmeline Knowlan
British funk-pop band Uncle Frank’s full-length release Love Lion transports its listener back to the ‘70s with soulful vibes and an eclectic energy that sets the group apart from many of the UK’s popular contemporary artists. The title track starts the album off with a solid beat, and the addition of a distinct grungy solo guitar throughout brings the song to the next level. “I’ve been lookin’ for my mojo, I think I found it in a song,” vocalist Frank Benbini croons as the rhythm picks up, and the “mojo” is definitely felt as the song ends with an intense instrumental breakdown.
Many of the pieces on the album rely heavily on the same type of strong rhythm and funky guitar solos mixed with electronic elements as their driving force. Overall Love Lion really reminds me of a film soundtrack, with each song corresponding and complementing each other sound-wise. My favorite song on the album is “Maximum Respect,” which sounds like it belongs on the credit reel for a retro-inspired movie like Will Ferrell’s “Anchorman.” The upbeat tempo, soulful vibes and groovy instrumentals make for a perfect fit for that type of commercial use.
One of the only slower songs featured is “Hot Secret Lover,” and the song is exactly that: hot and sensual with a bluesy feel. The track gives off the feeling of a jazz club atmosphere, and lyrically comes across as rather vulnerable compared to the other tracks on the LP. If you’re a fan of modern funk rock like Beware of Darkness, or like more classic blues-style guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, this album is definitely worth checking out.