The band calls this Afro-Celtic funk. Merging Scottish reels (and bagpipes!) with Senegalese rhythms and that peculiar British Isles notion of funk (I'll elaborate further later, but suffice it to say this does not sound like anything an American band would play), Soulsha has found a unique sound.

Soulsha Carry It On (self-released)

As for the funk, I have found that most funk from across the way is funneled through a pop filter. These songs are exceptionally crafted pop songs. Yes, they veer into unlikely sounds, but the construction is basic and rock solid. In many ways, Soulsha's music reminds me of Paul Simon, both in the 70s and 80s. The idea of merging distinct traditions into a pop context isn't new, but few do it well.

Simon has always been a musical explorer, but he uses his music as a conveyor of his lyrics and not as an entity unto itself. Soulsha is more committed to letting the sound drive the songs. This also allows the feel to be much more cohesive.

It's no accident that this album feels like a party. That seems to be the idea. The energy flows non-stop, and the eight members have clearly fallen into a group together. I'm curious to hear where this evolves, but this is one bright and shiny set. And hey, it's probably your only chance to hear horn-driven funk led by bagpipes. One big ball of fun.

Jon Worley