Funk the System: Cabot Power

You don’t put 11 people together to play funk because you’re aiming for subtlety… And Funk The System, the long-awaited new album from St. John’s-based Cabot Power, is anything but subtle.

The album is an energetic, groove-heavy collection that sounds like it was made by musicians who know exactly what they want to do, and are having a good time doing it.

This record has plenty of musical muscle.

Formed by Josh Chancey in 2015, Cabot Power has become a staple on the St. John’s music scene. Funk The System, the band’s first album of original material grew out of Chancey’s opportunity to travel to New York City and study with some of the musicians who had influenced him. He subsequently teamed up with Halifax-based, former Cabot Power guitarist Kenneth Pasher to write the album, with Christian Berglander providing the horn and string arrangements.

The album was three years in the making, but the result was well-worth the wait. The record has plenty of musical muscle, and, With an 11-piece lineup, there’s no shortage of sound competing for your attention, but it works. Funk The System keeps everything moving, with the grooves front and centre.

You need to check it out now.

The song Reason to Smile is a great place to start. It’s upbeat, infectious and hard to imagine listening to without at least some involuntary toe-tapping.

Then there’s Whatcha Wanna Eat?, which takes a more playful approach to the universal fear of asking someone out. Beneath the funky groove is a nervous would-be romantic trying to work up the courage to say what they’re feeling. Their stomach is turning, palms are sweaty, and they’ve already chickened out once. It’s a relatable bit of romantic anxiety, delivered with enough humour and energy to keep it from getting too serious.

Recorded primarily at Chancey’s home studio, Funk The System is an impressive first outing for Cabot Power’s original material.

It’s funky, it’s fun, and built to make you move.

The official release is happening this Friday at The Rock House (in St. John’s) with special guest Baraka. You can get the album on Bandcamp, and wherever you stream your music.