Longshout

The Debonaires have made their mark with a sound that is all over the map and the almanac. Taking inspiration from Jamaica and Britain, the '60s and the '70s, the group presents a kaleidoscope of the reggae scene before ragga gripped it by the throat. On Longshout, their third full-length set, the band continues to explore the past's potential with fine style. In short order the Debonaires cover all the bases — traditional ska, 2 Tone, roots reggae, early reggae (check out the wonderfully cheesy Hammond organ on "Interrupted"), dub, lovers rock, in that order. But they're not done yet, because there's also the more modern R&B stylings of "Right Hand Man" and the slow-as-a-snail but funk-fired "Keep on Playin." And it's obvious the band feels comfortable in any and all of these styles, agilely shifting musical direction on the drop of a pin. Frontman (and tenor saxophonist) Kip Wirtzfield adds a further eclecticism to the mix, as he slides from soulful vocals passages to arena rock screeches, taking his cue from the lyrics, not the actual musical arrangement of the song. On-stage, the ten-piece Debonaires inevitably boast a full sound, but not always here, a reflection of either the band's self-production or the mix. Too clean, too exact, and just too damn weedy, at times the recording bleeds away the group's musical power. Fans will forgive them for that, but in the end, what could have been an extremely strong set just hints at the group's real potential.