GroundSound: Press

There are albums that you like immediately, and albums you LOVE immediately. From the first note of "Funky Junky" from the album Pay Attention, I knew that Ground Sound was a group that can create musical magic.

Ground Sound is best described as a funk rock band. Their grooves and jams are perfect and upbeat. Then couple the music with versatile singing and profound lyrics and you have an amazing blend.

As I get albums in the mail I tend to make them into mp3s and transfer them to my player. But ever since the arrival of Pay Attention, I haven't been able to listen to anything else! This is definitely a very enjoyable album worth your time to listen to.

Its always nice to see a fusion that works! nEko’s funky base playing blends perfectly with brother Ray’s “bluesy” guitar playing. These are original compositions, parts of these songs bear a strong resemblance to songs of the past, such as The Lake Song having a late 50s early 60s sound and the intro to Get Better which definitely has a late 70s-80ish sound. I think Zombie is my favorite. I think it provides the best blend of funk and blues and sounds the most original. Second I’d have to pick Pay Attention. Don’t get me wrong, now, Get Better provides some nice guitar work for Ray and The Lake Song is a trip back in time, for someone who has listened to music since the late 50s. I have the full album, the major theme of the album is the over use of prescription drugs and how there seems to be a drug for every ailment, whether real or imagined’ so this album does carry an important social message. Overall I found Pay Attention a very appealing album for anyone who likes a little funk with their blues or is it a little blues with their funk? Actually, its a lot of blues with a lot of funk! These four tracks merely scratch the surface as most of the tracks are a lot funkier and bluesier sounding. I rate it 9 out of 10 and a “thumbs up”, how about you?

New York City’s GroundSound mixes up Funk, Blues and Rock N Roll in fiery fashion, revving up crowds in the Big Apple and its environs. Their debut album, Pay Attention, mixes Power Trio edge with danceable original songs that leave you wanting more. Brothers nEko Soto (bass) and Ray Soto (guitar) blend their talents with drummer Jon Carlucci have played around the Northeast US and have even gigged in London, and they’re just getting started. Pay Attention opens with Funky Junky, a hyped-up bit of Funk Rock that will have you reaching for your dancing shoes. This is good, old school Rock N Funk party music. Fix Me is a funk-filled diatribe about society’s tendencies to find an easy way to resolve all problems with drugs, and a media environment that constantly reinforces everything that is "wrong" with us. The points are well taken, if GroundSound were to get any more subtle here they'd be driving a train. Zombie takes a turn toward 1970's AM Rock, with an easy listening vibe and funk groove underneath that sounds very old school. I suspect that live this song opens up even more and could turn into one heck of a jam piece. Pay Attention stays with a straight-up funk feel, while Get Better (my personal favorite track on the CD) takes on a heavier aspect, mixing with the Funk and Blues of early-70's Hard Rock. New Orleans is part tribute, part travel brochure and part asking what all the hoopla is all about. I think there was a point in there. Blinds Close seems to be about the lengths people will go to protect their world views in spite of any and all evidence that is contrary. GroundSound surrenders to the Funk once again, if briefly, on So You Know, a great bit of danceable Rock N Roll. Chunka Funk finds GroundSound rolling into an easy Funk/Soul patois that is appealing. The Lake Song goes more for a classic 1950's and early-1960's Rock sound before closing out and laying down the Funk hammer on Trip. GroundSound sure is fun to listen. This is the sort of band you'd gladly plunk down some cash to go see on a Saturday Night and dance the week away. Pay Attention is the disc you take home and listen to leading up the weekend. It will definitely get your feet moving.

I had the privilege of seeing these guys tonight…they were unbelievable. They packed a huge local bar in Mahopac, New York and held a diverse crowd all night weaving their way in and out of mind altering songs and jams. They played mostly originals and a few covers including The Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” and The Meters’ “Cissy Strut.” The band was tight and this album is a must buy. If you get a chance you MUST see them live. Check out their myspace for gigs in New York, especially NYC. Much respect to GroundSound !!!

This album is awesome. It seems to get better the more I listen to the tunes. It definitely grows on you. The musicianship is outstanding. The bass player is one of the best I’ve ever heard. The guitarist reminds me of Jimi Hendrix and the drummer really rocks. I recommend it highly. Check it out you will not be disappointed.