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REVIEW: Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band “Doin it Hard”

There are some days when I sit down at my computer and struggle with the question, “Should I listen to some electronic, jam or funk music today?”

With Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band’s new release, “Doin’ it Hard,” I can now eliminate this question and enjoy all three genres at the same time.

Formed in 2002, the group has spent their entire career experimenting with different sounds to attract followers. As a six-piece from the Southern United States consisting of a bassist, saxophone player, trombonist, keyboardist, guitarist and drummer, they already have all the necessary components to produce a colorful, funky style.

“Doin’ it Hard,” their second studio album, has added a new electronic synth sound, presenting the music as a little more current and up-to-date, while still maintaining a wholly organic, technical and personal feel.

The album begins with “True Battle,” which starts off with a fading synthesizer and a light drum beat and eventually blends into a dirty horn line used as the basis for the song.The song starts the album off with a bang, with some soaring guitar and sultry vocals punctuating the track.

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“Horn Stars,” the sixth track off the album, begins with a smooth electronic jam and eventually turns into a soulful horn duet, showing off how the band can play funk powerfully as well as with finesse and soul. Though still up-and-coming, the band shows glimpses of greatness in this studio effort with as many catchy hooks as jammed-out segments.

The female vocals in "Lovin'" were a welcome change of pace and evoked images of 60s counter-culture with the dripping bass and flute-like high-end.

“@$$” and “Hot Pizazz” showcase the silly, fun side to the band without making listeners forget how musically talented the group truly is. Any song that utilizes the word "badonkadonk" in a serious manner is worthy of a listen.

The album as a whole is a fun take on the genre with equal parts ridiculousness and expert playing. It's the kind of music you envision playing at an old-school block party. It's an odd mix of futuristic sounds and a retro style.

As catchy and amusing as the album may seem, almost every song is over five minutes long, and can sometimes be a tad repetitive. Their consistent style is both a blessing and a curse. Still, this is an enjoyable, funky record and certainly worth the listen.

“Doin’ it Hard” was released in stores on March 27, and can also be downloaded on their Bandcamp for any price you name. Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band will also be spending the rest of the spring and summer touring the Northeast to support the album. For more information on the band, visit their official website.

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"Doin' It Hard" Track List

1. True Battle
2. @$$
3. Lovin'
4. Neat Little Package
5. Sunday Afternoon
6. Horn Star
7. Chaos
8. Cancion Del Fuego
9. With True Feeling
10. Lucky
11. Hot Pizazz
12. Shadows & Sunshine

Upcoming Tour Dates

Apr 12: Athens, GA- The Melting Point
Apr 13: Wilmington, NC- The Soapbox Laundro
Apr 14: Greensboro, NC- Blind Tiger
Apr 20: Winthrop Lake, SC- Winthrop Lake
Apr 21: Athens, GA- Sweetwater 420 Fest
May 2: Huntsville, AL- Humphrey's
May 3: Starkville, MS- Dave's Dark Horse Tavern
May 4: New Orleans, LA- Howlin’ Wolf
May 5: Elberta, AL- Pirates Cove
May 5: Destin, FL- Funky Blues Shack
May 11: Charlotte, NC- The Neighborhood Theatre
May 12: Raleigh, NC- Lincoln Theatre
May 18: Carthage, NC- Shady Grove Music Festival
May 24: Charleston, SC- Charleston Pourhouse
June 2: Asheville, NC- Beer City Festival
June 8: Allentown, PA- Blues, Brews, & Barbecue
Jun 14: Chattanooga, TN- Riverbend Festival
Jun 16: Nashville, TN- Exit In
Jun 21: Ferguson, NC- High Country Motorcycle Camp
July 17: Nantucket, MA- Chicken Box
July 18: Nantucket, MA- Chicken Box
July 26: Lone Jack, MO- Dawg Daze of Summer Fest
July 27: Lone Jack, MO- Dawg Daze of Summer Fest
Aug 10: Prospect Hill, NC- Possum Holler
Aug 11: Beech Mountain, NC- The Festival of Gnarnia

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Source: Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band