Love Hertz

Attempting to recreate any sound of yesteryear can be a very difficult task to accomplish. The band or artist walks a fine line teetering on the verge of musical reverence or cheap novelty – this is what typically sets apart legitimate artists from one-hit-wonders. 33Hz is a band that finds itself delicately balancing on the wall dividing genuine endeavor from cheap thrill.Reviving a sound reminiscent of late 70s/80s funk, disco, and new wave, 33Hz’s self-titled debut is a dance record chock full of synth-pop grooves, beat-keeping handclaps, falsetto “Ohhhs,” and lyrics dealing with love, if not lust. It’s clear that the New York based quartet has done its homework – at the school of funk, they’ve studied under professor emeritus Prince (pre New Power Generation), read from the book of Jamiroquai, and sat next to Daft Punk.

Overall, 33Hz is not a half bad album, but it does take a few listens to get used to. Songs such as “Crazy All the Time” and “Lovely” are fun little tunes that’ll have you tapping your feet to the beat in no time – the latter which will have you swearing it belongs on Purple Rain. “Digital Lover” is another funky jam that could’ve easily appeared on Discovery. Over sexualized and singing perhaps just a few octaves too high, the problem with 33Hz is that you’re not sure whether or not to take them seriously. Sure, Prince, Al Green, even MJ and a whole slew of others sang from, well… the loins as much as they did from the heart, but seeing four skinny white guys with bowl shaped hair cuts belting out flamboyant love jams just seems gimmicky.