When singer / songwriter Marcus O'Neill and jazz bassist Tom Pi moved to London and hooked up with funky sticks 'n' skins man Lewis Kirk, they must have known they were on to something.

After playing a bunch of shows at some of London's hippest venues, The Borderline, The Spitz, Cargo, 100 Club, Metro, Ronnie Scott's... they engaged the services of rogue production mercenary Dan Swift (Snow Patrol, Aqualung) and laid down their debut album.

What we now see is a finely balanced union of catchy tunes, funky beats and leopard skin fun-fur. In short, it's the money.

I especially recommend the raucous groove of "Turn it Up", the slick bass solo in "Wipe Clean Helena", and the downright playfulness of "Suicidal".

Go check out one of their shows, get yourself a copy of the LP, and feel the groove for yourself.

Let the good times roll!

Bob Weissfeldner - Tall Order Records.