Summers in Rangoon

Soul Patch has been together in various incarnations since 1996. In 2001 they released their first album, Summers In Rangoon. The reviews speak for themselves. Review by Dennis Cook, Pauserecord.com Soulpatch: Summers In Rangoon Perhaps the details of Dr. Evil's life aren't so inconsequential after all. The cover of Soulpatch's album contains not one but two references to the scene in Austin Powers where the Evil one describes his childhood (a scene that legend holds was actually re-written by Carrie Fischer, who plays the therapist, after Mike Meyers asked her to be in the film). Inspiration has come from stranger places and there's so much off-handed charm to this album that the sheer silliness of their choice makes one want to make a meat helmet in their honor. Predominantly a Caucasian soul unit in the spirit, if not the mold, of Love Jones or the Average White Band but their layering & interplay of vocals puts them in the same neighborhood as Chocolate City period Parliament. There's also references to Eric Burdon & War amongst other funky touchstones. What really sets Soulpatch apart from their blue eyed soul brothers is an ability to croon like Leonard Cohen in spots and thoughtful, gorgeous slow burners like 'Drink The Girl'. While some of this feels a tad too familiar there's enough differences to keep me listening in the future. A fun, even a hella fun, record and that counts for a lot. Review by SF Weekly Soul Patch Summers in Rangoon Funky guitar licks, well-timed hooks, and quirky, Zappa-inspired lyrics stand out during the first listen of Summers in Rangoon. A second time through yields a more sophisticated and subtle result. Tempo changes, increasingly complex arrangements, and lengthy instrumental sections draw comparisons to the Allman Brothers and Mothers Milk-era Red Hot Chili Peppers. Recorded in a marathon five-day session, the record takes on the feel of a polished, live concert. Highlights include the swamp-funk anthem 'Lose My Mind' and 'Arabic Ska' (a surprising ska piece that epitomizes Soul Patch's penchant for risk-taking). A.T.Serrao.