Fool’s Gold – Flying Lessons
Winged right out of The City of Angels, Fools Gold steers far and wide in their third release Flying Lessons. Though it has been a diverse journey, the group recalls borrowed rhythms and styles as evoked in their first self-titled album, and pushes their music even further.
Shaking steady to the pulses of Africa, South East Asia, Caribbean territories and Latin America, Fool’s Gold stirs a thick and rich dance floor unified in rhythm and body. This comes after the band took a slightly darker turn in their second album Leave No Trace, which echoed a bit of 80’s synth-wave, and after the band scaled down from a hefty 8 piece ensemble to the quaint four piece.
Taking off with I’m in Love, Luke Top, Lewis Pescov, Garret Ray and Salvador Placentia take on an overall northern Sahara Dessert influence. Within this single release, as well as Devotion, the group tugs a Soka Caribbean breeze into their sound, painting cabana parties on the island of Tobago with colorful rifts and the infused jingles of Pescov’s Soukous guitar plucks.
With heavy organ, Don’t Be Like Them, holds hints of dessert blues, among emerging doo-wop like harmonies and Mande and Tuareg strums. Next, as if Mali wasn’t far enough, the title track Flying Lessons, reaches into Latin America and moves in a consistent backbeat, fusing a dancehall pace with Trinidadian soca. This Puerto Rican motion is performed on rhythm between Salvador’s percussion and Garrett’s drumming.The Hebrew versed Ta’alumah , which translates to ‘mystery,’ is sung and bassed by Israeli born Luke. The composition inherits attitude and emotional praise sending an almost yearning chant in each stanza.Wildflowers, a personal delight registers a doo-wop rock steady glow, emitting emotional harmonic energy. Last but not least, the refined piece, Run With Me, a download if you buy the vinyl or bonus track on digital, collects a Zimbabwe influence utilizing Chimurenga notes and Brazilian percussion, ending on a bouncy tropical chase.
Though the name would suggest otherwise, there is nothing Pyrite about Fool’s Gold’s music. Once again the group has proved authenticity in a culturally rich and innovative release, reaching outside the walls of previously compared indie acts. It is with these autueristic references of Touareg and Afrobeat syncopation, the ensemble echoes a worldly fusion, spreading timeless celebration for dance floors to come.
Artwork by Salvador Placentia
www.foolsgoldla.com
