On their debut CD Boogie Angst, Kraak & Smaak seem to be determined to put some funk and soul back into the sometimes stale and generic worlds of Electronica and Dance.
The first song "Money In The Bag" gives you a good idea of what is to come - funky beats and riffs laying underneath smooth catchy vocal lines. The song is around four minutes in length, as are most of the tracks on Boogie Angst. None run over 6 minutes, which greatly helps the album, as one of the main problems about modern electronica has to do with the epic (read boring) length of many songs. Kraak & Smaak know the genius of keeping it short and therefore keeping their audience captive. You find yourself wandering when listening.
"One Of These Days" is perhaps the best song on the album, showing of the group's blending of acid melodies, lounge stylings, and funkiness well. On some songs Kraak & Smaak drift into what could be called lounge music territory (albeit, a bit more energetic lounge music than normal) on the tracks such as "Dense Macabre". On these songs the beats flow smoothly and the sound is overall reminiscent of an old soul record.
On other songs, the band swerves into harder-edged territory, mixing influences such as Samba beats and soul grooves into upbeat summer songs. "Say Yeah" is a good example of such a song, it has a laid back yet full of energy vibe, making it unlike any other Electronica or Dance song that's been released lately.
A feeling present throughout the whole album is one of naturalness. The music is not hard electro but rather organic fusion. The great part about Boogie Angst is that it can be used for many different occasions. Kraak & Smaak haven't created just an Electronica/Dance album; they've created an album that you could play at a down-tempo lounge, a hip electronic hangout, or a groovin' dance party, with equal success.
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1 - Connie Phillips
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