As if that scorpion on the cover didn't say it all - the Budos Band are back, and they mean business. 10 more tracks of unfadeable Staten Island instrumental Afro-soul, recorded live at the Daptone complex in luxurious Bushwick, Brooklyn. Right from the jump, "Chicago Falcon(1)" grabs your ear with driving organ, a crisp, angular bassline and - goddamn, those horns! (The Budos' section contains 2 saxes, 2 trumpets and flute, not to mention numerous percussionists.) "Budos Rising(2)" keeps it rolling with a slightly Egyptian feel (is that PC?), before "Mas O Menos(3)" blows it all away - seriously, if this track came out on a Numero comp, it'd have me completely fooled. "King Cobra(4)" kicks off the B-side on a way more mellow - but no less sinister - note, all spine-tingling organ trills and staccato guitar stabs. The instrumental cover of the Temptations' "My Girl(5)" may catch you off guard, but let your prior knowledge of the track go and you'll find this a totally fresh and original take. The downtempo "Origin of Man(6)" may just be my favorite cut on the album, but really... it's hard to pick. You don't have to be a soul/funk aficionado, nor be familiar with the entire Daptone catalog, to enjoy this record (as proven by yours truly). Budos are truth. Recommended.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red