SOULHAT
Experiment On A Flat Plane (Terminus)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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After ten years, a trip to the majors, numerous (and continuing) lineup changes and various shades of glory, guitarist Kevin McKinney is still anchoring something called Soulhat, and Soulhat is still holding its ground as one of the best bands on the soul/groove end of the jam band scene.

Experiment On A Flat Plane was recorded when the band, now a trio, was a quartet, only half of whom (McKinney and bassist Johnny Vogelsang) will be on stage the next time you see these guys. Of course, if you're very far away from their Austin, Texas, base, that might be awhile, because they've become somewhat notorious for studiously avoiding becoming the next big thing. They'd rather stick closer to home and continue to be the thing they choose to be, namely a talented band with great songs and a strong improvisational spirit. And, of course, they've found that the big fish in a small pond approach is not only conducive to artistic independence, but is no small part of survival itself for Soulhat and many another band.

Still, it's great to have a new one out in national release without having to lick all the stamps and make all the calls yourself, and Terminus Records, an Atlanta based indie, should have this one on the racks near you. It's a good one to get to know, and a great one to get you moving. Melding rock and R&B with one tremendous (and hilarious) two-stepper, "WNBA," Experiment On A Flat Plane will quickly become your disc of choice when the party starts.

Track List:

Loading * Plastic * Flat Plane * Mailbox * Gone * My Man Joe * WNBA * Cash * City * Skin * Microwave * Deep Sleeper

© 2001 - Shaun Dale