The Seven-UpsDrinking Water
Northside

- Two years on from their self-titled debut album, this seven piece, heavy groove, instrumental band from Melbourne has advanced from that self-described ‘Bad Afro and deep funk’ first outing. Two trumpets, one trombone and sax share the musical space in equal measure with the guitars and percussionm inspired by their continuing reflection of '70’s afrobeat a la Fela, funk & ethio- jazz licks. The rhythmic interplay from this combo has let them lay down seven cuts on their sophomore album Drinking Water, of unadulterated cool party music.

Opening up with an homage to Fela Kuti, the languorous and sexy solo sax of namesake of bandmember Harry Cooper sets up nicely what’s to coming in the next forty minutes. In reply to the jabbing horns and percussion, The Aviator invites us all to soar wherever we desire... The calming slow jam of Bello At Night is another nod to the President before the frenzy kicks it all up a notch in 17hr Trip.

Released on vinyl, cd and available digitally on the Northside Records label (so named for the Melbourne record store) the second offering by this original outfit -really, they're no longer just acolytes- gainfully employs a tighter knit line-up, justifying their reputation as Afrobeat and funky stalwarts in the Melbourne live scene. The Seven Ups boasts individual standout thrills from the funky guitar of Trent Sterling, to the brash and brassy lineup of Charlie Woods, Kelly O’Donohue and Jay Scarlett along with Harry Cooper , bounced along by Carl Lindeburg on bass and Michael Sacks and Ed Crocker on percussion and drums.

I thought I'd save the best for last: the epic title and closing cut, Drinking Water, it's as much a tribute to the band as to the great forbears their paying homage to, as it urges us all to get up & dance to the street- funkin’ grooves wherever you might catch them or they grab you.

- Rick Heritage.

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