NU LOOK ABO
Posted 12-05-2008 at 11:01 PM by steve
Miami-based Nu Look is back on the block with their long awaited studio release. The album, "Abo" hit shelves a few months back and is a 10-song long release of Kaliko Productions.
"The Look" has had to deal with a few difficult setbacks with musicians these past few years and the skies may remain gray for Gazzman & Co. for some time. The issues started with the band’s leadership, Arly Lariviere, who was notorious for showing up unfashionably late to most of his shows. This lack of discipline may have trickled down to rhythm guitarist Ralph Conde, (a triumph of recruitment for the band given his abilities as a guitarist, composer and producer) who, in the midst of a Haitian tour last year decided that he wouldn’t show up at all to Nu Look gigs and promptly returned to his old post in Tabou Combo. Next up was the band’s lead guitarist, Laporte, who shortly after the release of his solo album promptly abandoned ship. It has been the recent rumor that solo artist Nickenson Prudhomme is looking to recruit the band’s bassist for his own upcoming projects.
But enough with the bad news! What does "Abo" have in store for us? Well, on the good side are compositions like the melodic "Is it real", where Arly sings his heart out with the usual plaintive passion. Gazzman counters Arly’s performance with the album’s title track "Abo" where all the Cape Haitian charm of his voice is on display. The thoughtful "Legacy" ranks among the album’s memorable pieces both for the quality of its message and what it showcases about that singer’s ability to carry a band. Not to be outdone, Arly counters beautifully in the mid-tempo composition "Notre Histoire". "Bon Macho" deserves some mention for its catchy melody and fine horn arrangements.
"Abo" is a very competent album. The band is in good form despite its monumental losses in talent and personnel. One almost feels the restraint of the new guitarists who have been recruited to fill some pretty big shoes. Arly’s keyboard sounds definitely need some updating and outside of some fine moments with the horns throughout the piece, the album doesn’t do much instrumentally and sounds a bit hollow at times. However, what isn’t happening instrumentally is definitely happening with the two powerful vocalists who lead the band. Arly and Gazzman literally carry this album with their voices. You’ve heard me complain about the wordy choruses these guys like so much, so I won’t do it again. Seasoned fans of the band should be happy with this release.
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