Beat Funktion: Green Man

Swedish group Beat Funktion could be described as a band, but they strike me as something even deeper than that: a musical collective with an extremely broad approach and a really keen ear for making complex arrangements sound accessible and catchy. The songs on Green Man blur the lines between funk, blues, jazz, and fusion, going for a really unique sound. Think Miles Davis jamming with Herbie Hancock!

The title track itself is a perfect example to get acquainted with the sonic direction of the band. The many tracks on the album weave a really interesting pattern of music genres, influences, and different experiments, making for a record that's full of life and verve. This is one of those records that has the power to move and entertain, yet treating the audience to a lot of substance. The smooth saxophone phrases lead the way, while the clav and drums keep the rhythm and groove going. The choral vocal melodies add a lot of soul to the mix, while the groove is punchy, eclectic. and really dynamic.

As the band's sixth studio album, Green Man showcases the band's further growth into their own take on crossover music, helmed by charismatic leader Daniel Lantz.