In the lead-up to Pokey LaFarge’s newest record, he stated, “I used to think of my music in dark blue, but now I see it in technicolor”. That dour feeling he sometimes brought to his retro-facing songs is mostly absent from Rhumba Country, his third release for New West Records, as he makes a joyful noise throughout.
LaFarge’s sonic palette widens with each release, and now his sound incorporates touches of mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock-and-roll. Assisted by a host of musicians, LaFarge takes center stage, focusing on strong vocals and swinging sounds.
The opening, live in the now lyrically inspired “One You, One Me,” begins things on a catchy note with “la la la” vocals, a shuffling beat, bright strums, and piano runs. Things swell gloriously on “For A Night” as LaFarge uses a mellotron, Elliot Bergman works the sax, Hank Mehren is on keys, Jonny Flaugher on the bass, and Addie Hamilton with Natalie Bergman delivers the sweet-sounding harmony vocals, capping a great track.
Electric guitar and touches of Tropicália color “Run Run Run” while LaFarge pulls inspiration directly from Jorge Ben for album centerpiece “Like A Sailor”. The beaming and bouncing songs pushed along with electro keys, electric guitar, light funk low ends, echoing vocals, and horns. “Sister Andre” goes the retro soul route with funkier guitar/bass and falsetto vocals, reminiscent of a Dan Auerbach solo tune.
LaFarge’s humor surfaces on the snowbird anthem “So Long Chicago,” as the light funky twang struts south for the winter. “It’s Not Over” overloads the tune with a drum machine, percussion, and background singers, sounding a bit out of place with LaFarge’s style, but not necessarily in a negative way.
Things go the classic country ballad route on “Home Home Home,” a safe and slightly dull retreat, but the snapping snare drum from Tamir Barzilay on “Made To Be Loved” kicks things back into soulful territory while album closer “You Make My Garden Grow” whistles directly from Pokey’s time finding musical inspiration while farming in mid-coast Maine.
Throughout Rhumba Country, Pokey LaFarge broadens his sound, effortlessly bringing in world influences to help accentuate his retro Americana core, positively crafting one of the most enjoyable efforts of his long career.
