Mel Goes Funky
The Mel Outsider Reformation
Mel Goes Funky
Planet Records
THE MEL OUTSIDER REFORMATION
Mel Goes Funky
PLANET RECORDS
It seems like only weeks ago that we were appraising the spirited, uplifting blues of Mel and his crew’s Miss Victory V. That those weeks actually number over 130 seems astonishing. This hiatus, though, has given Mel (Adrian Melling) the opportunity to rethink his direction, and his vision of “a funk infused groove” for the band’s second release intrigues. That determination in refusing to stand still has seen wholesale reformation - if you wish - of a new Reformation to fulfil the funk manifesto.
Without getting into the vacuous genre debate, the Reformation has more than retained its blues feel and credentials, widening its scope into natural territory in its sometimes-subtle, frequently head-on adoption of funk rhythms and nuances. With a suitably supportive, often aggressive brass section, of course. There are beautiful noises here.
Still vocally-reminiscent of Graham Parker, Mel shines throughout the ten tracks of Mel Goes Funky, sometimes menacing, with admirable phrasing, timing and feel for the song. It wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to hold up Mel Goes Funky alongside Kokomo’s Rise And Shine, or, more contemporarily, Hamilton Loomis’s Kickin’ It.
www.meloutsider.co.uk
Date added: Nov 25, 2025
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