Release Date: October 1, 2025
Label: Independent
Raphael Groten and his son Oliver are Leo & The Goat, and
their maiden release is Shine.
Raphael, known for his solo acoustic guitar releases, is now
venturing into a new world of funk and light atmosphere with his latest
release, Shine. This unique blend of funk, jazz, and blues, with electric and
acoustic elements, promises a musical journey that’s both familiar and
refreshingly new, all for the love of music.
So, get ready for an eclectic mixture of instrumentation and
clever vocalizations. There is never a dull moment.
“The Regulator” begins with funky riffs from the electric
guitar, as some additional sounds are added to the composition as it grows and expands
its reach. The bass is solid, and some subtly jazz-inflected keys are added.
The lead guitar comes in with some sharp leads, as it gives way to a heavy bass
lead, then it makes a full circle, and a violin is added. This is a complex yet
enjoyable blend of Americana, acoustic, and electric elements that was a fun
listen to get your head into the right space for what may come next.
The title track,
“Shine,” continues the flow, and right away, they move away
from instrumental music to add vocals. The vocals are a rap, but very pleasant,
as the music is a combination of funk, blues, and jazz that come together,
bringing everything they have to offer to the listener. This one has some
good hooks and thoughtful vocals for you to think about. A flute makes its way
into the mix, which is quite beautiful. The bass is a giant, along with the
percussion, in keeping this on track.
“Ride” keeps things funky and fresh with some easy keys that
float over the top as the rest of the elements come to the front of the
composition. The guitar is key here with some crisp acoustic licks. Then tenor
sax is added, giving the piece a definite jazz-funk feel. With horns and the
funky backbeat, it reminded me of Steely Dan.
In “Diggin’ in the Garden” the horns continue to assert their
presence as the vocals return to kick this one off. The vocalizations have a
soulful Dr. John inflection. It comes from the depths of one soul to sing like
that. The electric guitar has a retro funk sound you would have heard back on
70s releases, like from Issac Hayes, for instance. This is a nod to Mother
Nature and her healing ways, encouraging you to get down on your knees and dig
in to feel the earth between your fingers. Funky and bluesy, it gets into your
consciousness as your feet can’t help but move. Diggin’ in the garden, diggin’
for the truth…
“Silver Linings” proceeds at a slow tempo with the guitar,
drums, and bass. Then a Spanish-flavored acoustic guitar arrives tastefully. A
sound effect that is like something flying away is an added interesting
element. The leads on the acoustic are divine and resonate clearly within the
framework of this composition. To switch it up, an electric guitar adds its
color and vibrancy. The transition is well executed while keeping the tempo on
the low end, nice and smooth and easy.
“Cornerstone” features cool guitar effects as Raphael starts
singing. The backbeat is steady and consistently tight as Raphael delivers
another rap. This is not rap that is abrasive or loud because their message is
spiritual and very thoughtful for each listener to absorb and process. The
lyrics are a great message to deliver to those willing to listen. “To clarify
and amplify to be the best of we need to be” is an example of their message.
The funk holds on firmly musically as the vocals are mixed well and just an
icing on the cake.
“Riff Raph” promises to entertain with a lot of sharp guitar
work straight away. The bass and drums keep the funk alive as the guitar
answers in so many ways. The flexibility of the instrument is evident, and the
use of pedals provides some cool effects. With clarity and crispness, the
guitar playing shows it can make funk, jazz, and blues shine in every note.
This one is an instrumental gem and one of my favorites.
“Puddin’” proceeds with synth sounds, transitioning into a
diverse array of instrumentation, and the vocals return, maintaining their
one-instrumental-to-vocal track flow. The guitar lives in the subtle yet
effective funk lines, and the bass is absolute and very important as usual.
This time, Rebecca Kodis’s voice and violin are added
for a change in texture. for a change in texture. All I could think about, looking at the
title, is Moe of The Three Stooges saying “Puddin Head!”
“Play” is the first time there were two consecutive vocal tracks
that dismiss my previous statement about how they offered variety by switching
back and forth. However, the vocals are not predominant here; it’s the
instrumentation that clearly takes the lead with some stinging leads from the
electric guitar as the bass takes the melodic path. Consistency is what makes
all this music so strong from start to finish.
“Eastslide” is a play on words. One quick look at that title and
you think it’s Eastside. The guitar is the main instrument at the beginning of
this funk-filled musical journey. Fittingly, they close it out with some
reverberating electric guitar leads, as the bass reminds you of its paramount
importance in this genre.
Shine is an enjoyable, light-hearted listen that will keep your interest due to the outstanding musicianship and clear production values. The high musicianship and production quality are evident throughout, enhancing the listening experience and leaving a lasting impression.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
Ocotber 1, 2025
Tracks:
01. The Regulator
02. Shine
03. Ride
04. Diggin' in the Garden
05. Silver Linings
06. Cornerstone
07. Riff Raph
08. Puddin'
09. Play
10. Eastslide
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