Five (!) new members on vocals - Sarah Brown, Dianna Joseph, Kelli Sae, Xavier Barnett and Tony Momrelle feature on this latest offering from the Incognito "Family". The Album "Life, Stranger Than Fiction" contains 14 tracks (just over 71 minutes) of well crafted Acid-jazz-soul-funk which are blended with more than a smattering of contemporary 'Top 40 chart R&B'.
The opening track "Stay Mine" is about what Incognito does best - catchy melody with solid lyric and instrument arrangement. "Bring you Down" introduces Dianna Joseph - a definite plus on this album - on lead vocals. Band leader 'Bluey' (Guitar), Richard Bailey (Drums) and Julian Crampton (Bass) provide the firm foundation.
"Cut It Loose" contains a strong anti-drug message and features the excellent Dianna Joseph on lead Vocals. "There Will Come A Day" blends Acid-Jazz, contemporary R&B and Gospel flavours. This track features all 5 vocalists in tandem and the lyric lead-in to the chorus - 'Make a wish upon a star' is beautiful - One of my favorite tracks.
"Castles In The Air" is let down by some very weak lyrics, which is a shame because overall the music is well performed - this may have worked better as an instrumental. In contrast, "Rivers Running Black" is all that "Castles.." should have been - The Incognito horns are really given an opportunity to shine. "Got to Know" reminds me of Rose Royce with a Grace Jones 'get up to my bumper baby...' flavour, but, with a serious 'give peace a chance' message.
Finally, the tracks "On The Road (Parts 1&2)" have their roots firmly fixed in a fusion of Latin-jazz (no bad thing) and feature a superb percussion section and The Incognito Horns. This should get your body swaying in time to the music!
Other contributions of note on this album are from the fine string section, led by Chris Tombling (Violin) and Anne Morfee who arranged and directed the strings on the Level 42 album "Forever Now".
Overall, a solid, well produced album well in keeping with the 'Incognito' sound but with a new (?) R&B twist - a useful addition to the back-catalogue. I'm looking forward to seeing the new members at the one and only 'Live' UK date in London during July.
