MUSIC: SVELTE SOUL

The Brand New Heavies carry forward the soul revivalThe Brand New Heavies carry forward the soul revivalby Max Handelman The participants of this scene glamorized the styles, sounds, and sights of the '70s, a decade they were born ten years too late to appreciate. At the forefront of this movement was The Brand New Heavies, a band dripping with potential. After a few years of honing their sound, the band received interest from Delicious Vinyl. The then-experimental label sought to introduce this new British sound to the unexposed American audience. The Heavies' solid sound needed a session vocalist to smooth their delivery. They discovered the sultry N'Dea Davenport in the Atlanta club circuit and a match was made. Davenport, who most recently appeared as a vocalist on Guru's Jazzmatazz, lent a silky and melodic tone to the Heavies' heavier funk. Their eponymous debut album quickly delivered The Heavies' sound to their newfound American audience. With songs such as "Put the Funk Back in It," the album celebrated the resurgence of this soul-funk sound. Davenport's vocals, flowing through her lyrics of love, provided the soulful element, while a variety of horns, saxophones, organs and bass drove the melody. Through the success of this first album, The Brand New Heavies gained the attention of many of hip-hop's reigning stars. Artists such as Black Sheep, Gang Starr, Grand Puba, and the Pharcyde all lined up to collaborate with The Heavies in a free-form jam. Heavy Rhyme Experience: Volume 1, the band 's well-received second album, was the result of this hip-hop collage. Yet this musical alliance did not come without a price, for the band was forced to harden their music to compensate for the rappers' verbal assault, intensifying the percussion, diluting the soul. Brother Sister, the band's latest release, represents a return to the Heavies original sound. Reacting to their experience on the previous album, the Heavies have opted to soften their tone, emphasizing their soul. Consequently, the funky rhythm that drew the Heavies much of their acclaim is diminished. N'Dea Davenport is featured prominently, singing in nearly every track, spinning her soft tone melodically throughout. The distractions of everyday life are of little relevance as one is lulled into a dreamy, ebullient feeling of self-optimism and spiritual rapture. Love permeates the music and lyrics of the album, presenting a soothing, driving sound. "Forever," a whimsical, effervescent trip down the soul highway, is indicative of Brother Sister's dreamy nature. A jumpy, solid bass-line moves the song along, while flutes and swinging percussion provide balance. N'Dea croons softly, celebrating the beauty of eternal unity: "Forever/ I will love you, forever." The album generally does not stray far from its dedication to the joys of love and harmony. The funk, woven so powerfully throughout the Heavies' first album, is not entirely absent from Brother Sister. "Fake," perhaps the strongest track, offers some of the only hard funk on the album. As the Heavies shout, "Fake! Why you such a fake?"Davenport simultaneously scolds, "Thought you had me wrapped 'round your finger?" This vocal melee provides a humorous yet sensual duel between the whining males and the sultry Davenport. For those longing for The Brand New Heavies to put the "heavy" back in their music, Brother Sister is a welcome feeling of deja vo. However, those more accustomed to the hip-hop orientation of Heavy Rhyme Experience: Volume 1 and the more affirmative funk of their first album, may be disappointed. At times the airy sound and sappy lyrics sound more like an unruly hybrid of Kool and the Gang and Steely Dan. Yet The Brand New Heavies cannot be faulted for their soulful pursuit of bliss and beauty. They would have you believe that love is always attainable as long as you believe in its spirituality. As long as 'you keep together' love is always possible. And, hey, who is going to argue with N'Dea Davenport?