Astro Kat - Truffle Shuffle

Astro Kat

Truffle Shuffle
self-released; 2015

4.0 out of 5 

By Megan Gazzo

Astro Kat’s new album Truffle Shuffle is jazzy and funky and soulful. The singer’s voice is silky smooth and has character. The infusion of keys really adds to the palate. The band has an abundance of brassy horns making it even more versatile. I would say the eclectic variety of instrumentation laced with the sultry voice of the lead singer makes this album extremely listener friendly. Powerful and soulful. It pulls a swing vibe once in awhile and catches a wave of air from underneath you. It's energy charged and hopeful.

The first song “Alfie” clearly demonstrates the wide arena of which the band can work within. They don't have a lot of limits. The song brings to mind Jamiroquai and to a lesser extent Jamie Lidell. It's a song full of rich instrumentation and dynamic tension that is one hell of a way to start an album.

The next track has a bit of a Justin Timberlake sound with its jazzy R&B sensation. You could see this band filling the streets of New Orleans and everyone shaking it hard. It is extremely challenging not to shake your booty to this album. It's like a delicious cake with layers of infusions of funky groovy tracks. 

The track "Gun It Kit" rides the wave of surfer soul. It literally sounds like a Beach Boys song but more flavorful less kitschy. Horns, keys, guitar, drums and killer vocals must be quite the show to see. The album isn't short of anything. Each song feels robust and original. 

I love that they named this album Truffle Shuffle but it isn't based off the notorious Goonies movie. The name Truffle Shuffle comes from a name of a night the band used to go to every Monday with close friends in a club in Kingston. It called Truffle Shuffle as they would play nothing but soul and motown on this particular night.

I feel held by this album as it dances around my soul and fills it with an uncontrived blend of audio explosions. It's all love, tantalizing and positive. Definitely dance party material. These guys should get to Jazzfest next year; they would really fit in with the experience there. 

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