A stirring concept project from The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore, The Studio 77 Tapes was built around a dusty box of analog reels discovered at a Chicago yard sale. These recordings, restored and digitized, capture raw jam sessions from 1977–1981, preserving the electrifying moment when disco’s polished grooves melted into the hypnotic repetition of early house — with Rowen Shore playing the role of “the “archivist” – preserving the raw room tone, the mistakes, and the groove of that era.”
Opening track “Boom! Shake My Groove” plays like a charismatic statement on what to anticipate — declaring “if sexy was a crime, you’d be wanted…” as funky guitar swipes, boisterous brass charm, and expressive vocals move with seamless energy. “Every step you make turns my brain into stew,” the smitten vocals continue, marveling at hip-swinging magic as the brass elements continue to expand with feverish, stylish prowess. The ensuing “Heat Me Up” also delights with its sweltering infectiousness, admitting “you’re the beat I’m living on” as a funky bass groove and flourishing arrangements bolster a layered, enthusiastic vocal performance that beckons to “turn the heat up” during an immersive bridge.
Another standout track, “Blackroom Groove” is exemplary of the album’s smoother pursuits. Vibe-y synths and a funky bass drive complement a suave vocal intrigue, with smatterings of bright brass moving in as the “pull me in, don’t ask why” irresistible hook emerges. On the flipside, “Burn My Name” unveils a contagious, upfront rock passion that urges to “play the game!” into screaming, ardent intensity. Album finale “Get On That Groove! Club” also excels, bridging previous soul and rock synergy into a final, invigorating go-around. The Studio 77 Tapes is a thrilling overall success.
—
“Get On That Groove! Club” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
