Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

No longer purple, Phatfish's eight song debut album includes three songs that fans will already know. "Mr Happy Fudge", "Sitback" and "Still Moving" appeared as a single last summer and the songs still feel fresh. What I like most about Phatfish is that they have a genuinely unique sound with elements of 70s funk, jazz, dance and rap combining together. Singer Louise Hunt has a beautiful voice that swoops and soars confidently over the solid rhythms and melodies provided by the rest of the band. "Funkmine" is a huge happy intoxicating groove which will force your feet to dance! The album's closers "Summer Song" and "Revelation" were recorded live at Stoneleigh '94 where the band moonlight as the worship band (see 'Ruach' for details!). The 'River Of Life' album is the perfect soundtrack for summer days, expansive instrumental workouts punctuated by Lou's singing and the raps of Rachel Head who is sadly no longer in the band. Phatfish is real music for people who like bands who play instruments, not computers. If you're bored with the Nashville sound, step into summer and grab a copy of this. Unique!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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