Fred Green

Still Burnin’

Self Released

(Fred Green MySpace)

Fred Green has been blazing its own trail of funk, rock and reggae since the mid-nineties. Still Burnin’ is the band’s forth release and the first in eight years. Eight years is sure a long time between albums, but you know as crazy as it is to say Still Burnin’ may have been worth wait.

Previous albums combined funky Primus-like grooves with Alice in Chains inspired vocal melodies. While this strangely unique combination is still evident on this latest release, it is also more refined with a stronger focus on reggae and the album overall is a little more pop/commercial (in a good way).

The Arizona outfit channels 311 on the instantly likeable Every Little Thing and the crunchy Lose the Attitude. Album opener Brand New Shoe is also one of the catchier jams I have heard in a long time. It’s this new maturity combined with the band’s always impressive playing and great production this time round that takes Still Burnin’ to that next level.

While reggae is stronger felt here like on Slow Man and Turn it Around, the funk is also just as strong across the board. For example, if you think Primus plays a big part in the band’s sound on Habit and Overload that might be because original Primus drummer Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander sits in on the skins and damn it sure does sound badass.

On Still Burnin’, Fred Green has proven how experience can improve your songwriting and for the rest of us it’s a reminder it’s never too late to discover something that may have been kicking around for some time. Fred Green is Still Burnin’ and brighter than ever before.

Reviewed by Pilipo

Still Burnin' can be purchased online HERE.