Album Mini-review: Wild Adriatic — Feel
File next to: The Heavy, The New Mastersounds, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
This NYC-based trio describes its music as “power soul,” and for once a genre label is dead-on describing an artist. Rich Derbyshire‘s kinetic basslines, taut and assured drumming from Mateo Vosganian and aggressive, wah-wah-laden guitar lines support Travis Gray‘s assured vocals on Feel. The groove is deep on cuts like “Runnin’ Thru,” and Gray displays his impressive pipes without showboating. He’s also an estimable guitarist with a keen sense of how to evoke a ’70s vibe that’s equal parts funky and rocking, and he does so without coming off overly retro. Uptempo tracks alternate with the sultry slow burn of cuts like “Chasing a Ghost.” If Mountain or Cactus had made music for blaxploitation films, they might’ve sounded like Wild Adriatic. Ably backed up on three of Feel‘s 11 tracks by a blistering horn section, Wild Adriatic churns out dance floor classics for the modern age.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.