“Mama’s Room”
from the album Under the Influence of Giants
2006
iTunes
Audio streams of “Mama’s Room” (via Island Records):
Real | WM Hi | WM Lo
The buzz surrounding the emergence of newly signed Island recording group Under the Influence of Giants came to a head last week when the southern California band’s debut single, “Mama’s Room,“ was honored as the iTunes free download Single of the Week. Their self-titled debut album is due to arrive in stores on August 8. Under the Influence of Giants is produced by former Blind Melon members Chris Thorne and Brad Smith.
UTIOG “have found their rhythm,” declared the Los Angeles Times on its Buzz Bands page last month, citing “the fivesome’s energetic live show,” as they move to progressively larger venues around the Los Angeles area. UTIOG have been praised for their combination of rock energy tempered with pop sensibility, harmonies and a hefty dose of groove-based funk.
“The music the Giants continue to compose reflects their wide array of musical influences,” declares the band’s MySpace page. As their Island debut bears out, the Giants’ funk-inflected, hook-saturated pop-soul is a combination of the Talking Heads’ African poly-rhythmic groove (“Ah-ha,” “Got Nuthin'”), the ethereal falsettos of Michael Jackson and Prince (“Mama’s Room”), the blue-eyed R&B of Hall & Oates and George Michael (“In the Clouds”), the insinuating melodic pop of Rubber Soul (“Stay Illogical”), Earth, Wind & Fire’s horn-driven, noir-ish funk (“Against All Odds”), McCartney’s winsome balladry (“Lay Me Down”) and even the throbbing beat of post-hip-hop by way of Madonna (“Meaningless Love”).
“The album is a musical journey of many influences from different bands,” says drummer/keyboardist Jamin Wilcox. “We’re like a mousetrap ready to snap shut on the unsuspecting listener.”