Society give funk a lift

Elevator
Society
To order phone (02) 9363 9417

Review by Norm Dixon

This spunky little collection of remixes of Society's new single "Elevator" is just a taste of what lies in store for funk fans around November, when the band release their first, long-awaited album.

Society first came to GLW's notice in 1995 with their impressive EP Not Necessarily Stoned, which displayed the band's abilities and social awareness. The CD enthusiastically embraced two issues then making waves in inner-city Sydney and beyond -- the third runway in "Planes Overhead" and the rehabilitation of the wonderful weed hemp in "Not Necessarily Stoned".

Since then, Society have made themselves available for progressive causes, including a benefit for the Environmental Youth Alliance's campaign against woodchipping and a performance at a Green Left Weekly fundraising dinner that people still talk about.

The band has been "downsized". Original members Georgie Zuzak and Paris Jo Pompor form the nucleus. A broad base of associates can be called upon when critical mass is required.

Elevator offers four versions of the title track, remixed to suit a variety of clienteles. The mixes range from the percussion heavy, through phat-funk with hip hop atmospherics, to smoother club-friendly variations. Each kicks with energy and has a high groove quotient. The lyrics this time around do not have a discernible message that I can make out, but what the heck.

The band try their hand at some "'60s jazz poetry" with "Purportedly to Be". According to Society, it "explores the lives of those born into money within the surrealism of a dream, which blurs the parameters of cinema" -- I'll take their word for it. It does sound cool, though.

Society promise their long-player later this year will showcase their diversity and take their brand of groove to new limits. If Elevator is any guide, it certainly will. My only advice is that they should continue to address real issues while reaching those limits.

Not Necessarily Stoned is still available, and I'm sure Society remain available to loan their talents for progressive causes if asked nicely.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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