Vibraphonic: On a Roll

If Vibraphonic is, as the title of its latest CD suggests, On a Roll (Hollywood, PRCD-62116-2 57:35) it’s because the UK outfit has the generic acid jazz format down pat: Well-mannered retro funk, with just enough bite to keep it from turning gooey, just enough sweetness to make it go down easy with the non-jazz crowd, and just enough facelessness to keep it from distracting you while you’re on the Stairmaster. Don’t expect more than pleasant distraction here: “Living on the Edge” “Why do You Treat Me this Way” and the title track trot out the familiar clich s, from the faux-soul vocals to the breezy percussion-laced tracks. Soporific at best.

Originally Published January 1, 1998