So why is the disc more agreeable than most that gravitate toward this category? For one thing, the Motet doesn't have a vocalist, freeing the musicians to focus on funk rather than the moronic lyrics, crappy singing and cliched melodies that are so common to the genre. For another, the instrumentalists, led by drummer Dave Watts, understand that being "in the pocket" isn't about stealing wallets. The vintage soul-jazz gestures and quasi-African arrangements of numbers such as "Fearless" may not break new ground, but neither do they degenerate into the type of sonic vapidity that's only interesting for those with an endless supply of mushrooms.
In other words, hallucinogens aren't required to make this disc worth hearing. Save them for a rainy day -- or a String Cheese concert, when you'll really need them. -- Roberts
