Sun, Sea, And Squelching Funk: Masterfleet

Masterfleet: Skull Stone (To The Bone) and Man & Child
From: High On The Sea [Sussex, 1973]

The weather outside is hot Hot HOT at the moment. Temperatures in the capital are tipped to hit 30 plus centigrade today and, while this may not be enough for mercury to start bubbling in my trusty thermometer, it’s more than enough heat for your average pasty limey. With the temperature rising, The Dude’s BBQ post couldn’t have been more well timed and seems like the perfect jump off for welcoming summer sounds on to Ear Fuzz.

It’s undoubtedly true that, played on a sunny day, most songs take on a summery feel. However I would argue that it’s also true that certain songs that sound great when played on an average day also take off to new heights when combined with some glorious rays warming your body and your soul. A case in point is the two tracks featured today from Masterfleet.

I can find very little information about this funk band beyond what appears on the album cover which basically confirms that whoever was in charge of album design that day was channelling some kind of genius from a futuristic place. Sadly this 1973 album seems to be the only release the group did which is a shame as they fit more different styles and ideas in this one long player than a lot of bands manage in a ten year career. Flitting between proto disco sounds, ballads and squelching funk the group seem to be a dab hand at all the styles.

If you pick up an LP with a cover like the above and see it has a track called Skull Stone on it you’re kinda hoping that it will at least partly live up to your expectations and this does easily. The band are undoubtedly influenced by the Temptations and Sly & The Family Stone of the early seventies but I’ve yet to hear any instance where this was a bad thing. Combining the laid back groove feel with electronic warbles and vocals that flit in and out of the melody this has a great stripped back sound that still manages to radiate warmth.

Man & Child is an even funkier number with a riff that always brings a smile to my face. The combination of solid groove and scat edged vocals again bring to mind Sly Stone but the band are careful to never lose the focus of this slow burning beauty. This really is a fantastic summer song that demands to be blasted out while doing nothing more strenuous than operating your drink sipping arm. Highly highly recommended.

More sunshine please…….