Album Review

Alfonzo – Shuma

• 13th Aug 2008

“Shuma” is the new single by Edinburgh four-piece Alfonzo.

The song starts off quietly. Having listened to it a lot now, it’s lulling you into a false sense of security, as the tempo soon lifts to a rock / blues / funk fusion. It’s a hook, and it works.

It’s not often you hear a song where the guitar effectively mirrors the lyrics. It really works with this song. It adds a swagger along with the kick drum providing the rhythm. A guitar solo that fits perfectly with the song, and then it all ends abruptly. This is full of surprises. I like it.

There’s a hint of the Zutons about some of the vocal styling and early Ocean Colour Scene about some of the guitar work, but this is largely doing the band a disservice. This song is a great example of what good bands can be. They deserve to do well. Give it a listen and you’ll see what I mean.