Lack Of Afro - Press On

Multi-instrumentalist Adam Gibbons is the creative force behind Lack Of Afro, a band- rather than production-focused breaks and beats outfit. There are some samples and DJ work, but they appear to be the minor part of the band's equation. Instead what we have is full-on funk with a clear focus on percussion. It's all satisfyingly unpolished, and makes a good job of coming across like a vintage 70s soul recording. This debut shows clear signs of growth for a new recording artist, but some of the tracks fail to capture full attention for their duration. The simple and unfussy arrangements aren't dynamic or catchy enough to justify the solid, repetitive rhythms at the core of the songs. The intention is fine, but the execution flawed. A good, but all too often unengaging piece of funk.[Jack McFarlane]