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The Eclectic Collective

Time Flies | self released

By MATT BURKE | November 28, 2006

2.5 Stars

This debut from Boston’s Eclectic Collective proves they are what their name suggests, with tracks that bring to mind everything from the blunted hip-pop of 311 to the fusion funk of Herbie Hancock. It’s a classy yet fun album, with jazzy horns dominating “Souls on Ice” and smooth guitar riffs propelling “Useless Parade.” With his melodic crooning on “Rufio” and “Time Flies,” Dua Boayke brings to mind 311’s Nick Hexum. DJ Special Blend, trumpet player Afro DZ ak, and keyboard player RP Thompson all have chops to burn, and they pepper the disc with the musical equivalent of exclamation points. Only problem: the disc is overloaded with laid-back grooves that leave you wanting more of the intense improvisation and emotive soloing this band are capable of. You may think even drummer Sheel Dave is holding back, particularly if you’ve seen the Eclectic Collective live.