Josh Reichmann
Oracle band
Life is legal
Paper bag records
Oct. 28
Grade: B
???Experimenting with a different sound on his second offering, former member of the band Tangiers and "Jewish Legend" Josh Reichmann's latest release, Life is Legal EP, has emulated the rebirth of a musician.
???The latest undertaking of the "Jewish Legend" is the creation of the Oracle band, accompanied by thrilling musicians-Joseph Shabason on sax/flute, Steve Singh on keyboards/piano, Niko Kwiatkowski on drums/percussion, Jon Hynes on bass, and dancer Laura Bolton.
???The EP features five whimsical tracks that tease and tantalize audiences about the group's upcoming release. By distributing the EP to the public for free through varying mediums, Reichmann's six-piece group has been promoting themselves and offering their musical whispers to ears not necessarily expecting them.
???Reichmann penetrates eardrums with his icy-hot, wallowing vocals, which are complemented and often times accentuated with erratic instrumentals and layering rhythm, causing a swelling collision of sounds. The unconventional noise manages to recycle some of Reichmann's previous style and incorporate some novel soul.
???"Ancient Body Paradise (I Miss You)," is imaginative and impulsive. With heavy lyrics like "I can smell the blood," merged with a slightly odd combination of saxophone, harmonica, guitar licks and keys, the song produces a mystical ska resonance.
???The track "Great Shadows" is upbeat and fun, integrating woodwind siblings like the jazz flute that flourish along with a thump of drums, in sync with the dreary tone of Reichmann's voice. Not since Ron Burgundy has the jazz flute been so captivating, and if you will, quite so sexy.
???Josh Reichmann's Oracle Band Life is Legal EP portrays a style that is unique and inviting for open-minded listeners. His experimental offering showcases loads of potential and has him poised to break free from legend and into your current collection.
???Recently appearing at the Mohawk Place, Reichmann mixed the old with the new and proved that he's not one to be missed.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
