Bronx-based black rock group 24-7 Spyz have been operating on the fringes of the mainstream for more than 30 years now, doggedly practicing their own particular musical gospel - a spicy blend of hard rock, metal, punk, soul, funk and even reggae and R&B - to those fortunate enough to have encountered it. Over the course of 6 albums they have persevered through lineup changes, record label mismanagement, and general public indifference to deliver material that, while not as consistently strong song-to-song as one might hope, was always a welcome respite from the tidal wave of grunge and nu-metal that dominated the popular rock landscape throughout the 90s. Now, 13 years have passed since their last album, and the Spyz have returned to a vastly different musical and cultural landscape to deliver The Soundtrack to the Innermost Galaxy, a joyous and ebullient collection of diverse songs that show the band in perhaps the best form of their long career.
Things begin with a quick, silly introduction (a modern Spyz tradition) before quickly establishing the playbook with "Anthem". Guitarist and singer Jimi Hazel delivers propulsive riffs as the other members of the group make their presence felt musically as well as vocally - bassist Rick Skatore, drummer Phil "Fish" Fishbone (the mastermind behind black rock brothers in arms Fishbone), and guitarist Ronnie "Head" Drayton - as the track shifts between Pantera-esque grooves and guitar solos to hip-hop, all while maintaining a goofy tone. The Spyz seem loathe to limit themselves to any one single genre as the album continues, moving through the brilliantly melodic heavy R&B on "Brothers and Sisters", the African psychedelia of "Ascension", to the stomping protest piece "Repeating Myself" and the breathlessly exuberant Gospel sentiment of "Thank You". There is a general warmth and confidence on display here that is quite impressive considering the time gap between this and the bands' previous record - Jimi Hazel's singing has only gotten better with age and his playing is as good as I've ever heard it.
I'm not able to get a dynamic range score at the moment for Soundtrack to the Innermost Galaxy, but I haven't experienced any noticeable symptoms of over compression or brickwalling in my time with it so far, in either MP3 or CD form. Mixing-wise, the album is quite good considering how tough the balancing act of these 2 excellent (and loud) guitar players, along with bass, drums, and oftentimes multiple vocalists all fighting for space at the same time. Discovering that Terry Date was once again on hand to mix the album was a great surprise as he clearly understands what type of sound the Spyz are looking for.
I could go on about Soundtrack to the Innermost Galaxy, but suffice it to say that it's something special. If you consider yourself a fan hard rock, metal, soul, or just bands with a unique sound, 24-7 Spyz have really delivered something worth checking out here. I only hope that it won't take 13 more years for the followup.
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