Album review: PARDON THE INTERRUPTION – Hot N’ Fresh

ptimusic.com [Release date 14.04.23]

It would be easier, some months following release, to pass over this album and regret a missed review opportunity. But not here at GRTR! The truth is that this album may have provided a soundtrack at least to our recent extended summer if not earlier. But hey, there’s always next year…

It may not surprise that the opener ‘Opa!’ sounds like something Santana could have jammed out back in the late-1960s and, yes, Pardon The Interruption (PTI) hail from San Francisco’s Bay Area.

Overall the band, with their second album, draw upon a rich well of influences from late-1960s funk like War and Tower Of Power to eighties pop rock. It’s all superbly executed.

Whilst entertaining, the introduction of a curveball piece like ‘Cindy Will Prevail’ unfortunately detracts. This is like the bastard offspring of Madness ‘One Step Beyond’. The ska influence is repeated on ‘Higher’.

And guitarist David Noble’s 80′s influences shine through on the infectious ‘Construction Man’ (‘Demolition Man’ anyone?) and (a standout) ‘I Used To Drive’ which both hark back to bands like The Police.

‘Rhythm Is Right’ is another highlight, a groovy bit of soul punctuated by Noble’s guitar. (Check out their video, oldies rock!!). ‘It’s Complicated’ is more uptempo and another great groove like that opener. The addition of sax throughout provides both colour and class.

Some sources describe the album as prog or prog pop. It isn’t, but it is perhaps a little too eclectic for it’s own good. The band are at their best when playing straight-ahead funk and ‘Life Is Fantastic’ written and sung by their horn player Jamison Smeltz is a suitable showcase.

This is essentially good time, barbecue music so if we get another warm spell, grab it and get out there! It’s never too late. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)