The Herbaliser
Same as It Never Was

The departure from Ninja Tune was not too traumatic for the Londoners Herbaliser, who, after more than a decade of excellent work, are continuing at their own standards with the move to !K7 (another label of significant prestige, boasting names like K&D, Ursula Rucker, and Terranova within its roster).

Personally, I always considered them among the best acts of the glorious English label (even though the general quality has always been extremely high), but even with this sixth album, despite this choice (received with some skepticism), the duo Wherry and Teeba have once again hit the mark, introducing a series of substantial innovations in a project that is anything but simple by nature, distinguished from album to album, EP to EP, year after year, by a constant evolution and research, also a result of a significant musical background from both parties.

The introduction of a new member stands out: the young Jessica Darling, with a powerful voice leaning towards nu-soul, appearing in five tracks. Secondly, there is an intention to give more space to their softer side, slightly toning down the rap component, always their strong suit. But the most important, and in some ways unexpected change, is the significant increase in live instrumentation, already experimented with, though less abundantly, several times in the past (see Session 1 or the recent follow-up), supported by a mini-orchestra (which includes the acclaimed bassist Pino Palladino and the Easy Access Band, who have worked with them multiple times), which will be constantly present, especially in the brass section, at times overshadowing the electronic parts. In addition to the obvious hardware instrumentation, easily traceable electronic beats and plug-ins in the acoustic overload, there are organs, saxophones, trombones, congas, electric bass, guitars, piano, flutes, accordions, harps, and of course the indispensable turntablism reinforcement.

The strong point of "Same As It Never Was" (2008), as the name itself suggests, aside from a "relative" change, is indeed the enormous variety and numerous ideas of a project that skillfully balances between old and new, where jazz, funk, fusion, and rap blend with electronic virtuosity in full Ninja Tune style (fortunately not completely abandoned), without seeming pretentious or disjointed. Those who have listened to their other releases will surely notice that the spirit of Herbaliser fundamentally remains the same as that which animated masterpieces of the caliber of Blow Your Headphones.

Starting with the cover, the funk matrix is very clear, asserting itself especially on the instrumentals and pieces sung by Darling. From the sampling festival of the title track (winking at the recent Mark Ronson style), to the 70s funk of "On Your Knees", where the vocalist's qualities and Ollie Parfitt's beautiful Moog solo shine, through the fusion of "The Next Spot" (which wouldn't look out of place as the soundtrack of some 70s cop show), the psychedelic noir of "Stranded On Earth" (a genuine gem of the album reminding in some ways of The Hard Stuff, another of their countless gems), and the often rap of "Just Won't Stop" with James Brown's sample, the latter paid homage on the single "Can't Help This Feeling", of which I highlight the ingenious B-side of the EP by the great beatboxer Beardyman!

The instrumentals "Blackwater Drive" and "Amores Bongo," with its frenetic, sometimes Latin-tinged breaks recalling the glories of the Incredible Bongo Band, and "Street Karma", a smoky dub full of special effects over a sophisticated soundscape complete with Rhodes accompanying the rap of the talented Jean Grae-What What, who collaborates again with the duo, are very good. Also, watch out for "Game Set And Match", a rap with a folk twist featuring an excellent More Of Les and a stunning base.

Perhaps not at the level of the Ninja Tune releases, some might turn up their noses, but this partial and unfixed "renewal" has certainly proven successful, just like the very minds behind the album, two great producers who have rarely failed over all these years. 4.5