Plunky – Cold Heat

Plunky – Cold Heat / 2006 Self / 14 Tracks / http://www.plunkyone.com /

J. Plunky Branch has been around for quite a long time. “Cold Heat” marks his thirty-five year in the music industry and his twenty-first album overall. Plunky’s horn on “Cold Heat” is placed alongside the rhythms of Setworkrz, which consists of his son and Al Dokes. Setworkrz steps up their game to the point that the masterful ability of Plunky is matched point for point by the percussive elements on the disc. The funk sound that starts out the disc during “Drop” could easily be the foundation for the soundtrack from any seventies movie.

The Spartan approach to the vocals allows the instruments to shine through all the brighter, and give individuals a sense of the ability of Plunky et al. “The Meaning of Life” changes the overall approach to something that resembles more of a reggae track, while there is a dark, electronic sound to the percussion that gives the track a unique sound. Adding more in the way of vocals to this track has the added benefit of showing listeners the limitless bounds to Plunky’s creativity. “Does Everybody Do It” is the third track on the disc, and it marks the third variation in genre for Plunky. The funk sound is back, but there is a much more modern spin to the genre that has parallels in later Barry White. By the time that “In This World” ends, it feels as if Plunky has settled down considerably. The slightly-funky, slightly-modern style of Plunky becomes the dominant force on the disc. This does not mean, however, that Plunky rests on his laurels. Rather, the use of funk is limited to creating a thread throughout the disc rather than subjugating all subsequent tracks to that sound.

The inclusion of a female set of vocals to “Hollar Back” keeps things fresh and also marks one of the disc’s many single worthy tracks. The lyrics sang during this track are crafted in such a way that individuals will likely sing along after the second or third listening. Throwing in minor pieces of jazz and gangsta rap influence to “The Near Future” is another bit of spice to this album, which ensures that individuals will not be weary of the disc in the slightest by the time that this track ends. For an interesting look on funk, jazz, R&B and a number of other styles, take a look at Plunky’s “Cold Heat”. You will not regret it.

Top Tracks: Nevertheless, Drop

Rating: 7.0/10