It's reported that Supreme Beings of Leisure emerged when a rap group called Oversoul 7 added a singer named Geri Soriano-Lightwood. Yet the band's laid-back dance grooves sound all of a piece, as if they'd played together... more » for years. There's no messy merging of disparate styles, no rude sound shifts that occur when young bands search for their sound. Instead, this is a professionally buffed production. Though the three instrumental members all share programming duties and the music is certainly heightened by a liberal use of special space-age effects, the music is far more rooted in traditional soul-ballad and pop-rock writing than apparent on first listen. Tracks such as "Golddigger" and "Strangelove Addiction" borrow their hooks from the pop-rock dictionary, no matter how futuristic the desires. It might be another case of style over substance. Or maybe the band needs to transcend their professionalism and really get down to some scary stuff. --Rob O'Connor« less
It's reported that Supreme Beings of Leisure emerged when a rap group called Oversoul 7 added a singer named Geri Soriano-Lightwood. Yet the band's laid-back dance grooves sound all of a piece, as if they'd played together for years. There's no messy merging of disparate styles, no rude sound shifts that occur when young bands search for their sound. Instead, this is a professionally buffed production. Though the three instrumental members all share programming duties and the music is certainly heightened by a liberal use of special space-age effects, the music is far more rooted in traditional soul-ballad and pop-rock writing than apparent on first listen. Tracks such as "Golddigger" and "Strangelove Addiction" borrow their hooks from the pop-rock dictionary, no matter how futuristic the desires. It might be another case of style over substance. Or maybe the band needs to transcend their professionalism and really get down to some scary stuff. --Rob O'Connor
Sonoko F. from MONTCLAIR, NJ Reviewed on 1/31/2007...
Slinky, sexy Brit-lounge. Review from Rhythm Magazine: "The sound of the U.K.-based Supreme Beings of Leisure is classic Austin Powers-Les Nubians out of Me'shelle Ndegiocello, Sadi, Shirley Bassey and Eartha Kitt. Singer and lyricist Geri Soriano-Lightwood fronts a trio of loop-mongers-Kiran Shahani (bass, programming), Ramin Sakurai (keyboards, programming) and Rick Torres (guitar, programming)-who, as is obvious from their intelligent tracks, have done their homework. Slow hip-hop/jazz grooves, fired with synthesized sitars, piccolo snares and big-drop bass, make for a sound worth hearing over and over."
CD Reviews
Just buy it and love it...
Chris Husted | 04/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I know what all these guys are saying. When I heard "Truth from Fiction" in the record store, it automatically reminded me of Portishead. And so? The guy behind the counter described SBL's sound as "Portishead without the bite, paired with the complex beats of Hooverphonic." And so? I totally agree...the sound is a real mix of Morcheeba, Mono, Esthero, Lamb, and those other guys. Yeah, what of it?The slick, "LA" sound? Well, they ARE from LA, right? I think that's the "extra" that makes this record unique, and not just a copy. Heck, I even love their cool name, and the pop-artsy illustration on the CD cover. This band knows what "total package" is all about.I knew this CD was going to be a thoroughly satisfying listen, and something I'd fall in love with, from the first few seconds I heard in the record store. As proof, I haven't put it down since. Trust me, if you're a real lounge/trip-hop listener, you can't NOT buy this. And put it right next to those coveted Lamb, Morcheeba, and Hooverphonic CDs...it belongs right there."
Groovy & Hip Tunes for James Bond's pad
J. Roquet | 02/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gotta love this CD. From a sitar on "Sublime" to the bond-esque "Ain't Got Nothin" to the wa-wa guitar and horns on the soul-influenced "What's The Deal", this is just a great trip-hop album without too much club looping or drum machine reliance. I like that they use 'actual' instruments in the mix... gives the music more flavor and texture. And they finish off with a great dance beat in "Under the Gun".
I would also recommend "Lazy incorporated" by Lazy. They don't have this CD at Amazon, but you can listen to it at CDBaby.com (or iTunes). After SBOL disolved, two of the members formed Lazy. Their new vocalist really has a sultry touch and the groovy songs will cause you to smile and "chair dance" while driving. More great stuff for the 'cool' in all of us."
Good, but not great.
Peter R. Fischer | LA LA Land, USA | 05/03/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This certainly is a polished production. Its smooth, loungy trip/hop (as another review stated) with some dub influences. Everything works well, but nothing stands out for me. Certain songs like "You're Always the Sun" are really pretty darn good. Overall, the vocals are nice without being riveting and the beats will get your head nodding without making you break out dancing on the subway while listening to this on your walkman/discman.I would definitely throw this on late at night sometimes or while hanging out on the weekend, its just not necessarily something I'd listen to all the time. If you are looking for some seriously fantastic music of this sort pick up Morcheeba, Everything But the Girl, or Olive. If you are looking to add to your collection after already picking up those CDs, this is not a bad way to go."
Absolutely fabulous!
booboo_babies | Texas | 02/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If life were fair, this band's song "Gold Digger" would be right at the top of the charts, and even more popular than Kanye West's song of the same name.
There isn't a lame song on here, which is something that you can't say for many albums these days. Simply the best!"