Some American

galactic release dark water

New Orleans Funk/Brass/Soul/Awesome legends Galactic will be releasing their latest album YA KA MAY on February 9th, and as a bit of a sneak preview, the quintet have given us a first taste in the form of “Dark Water.” Featuring a vocal performance by the John Boutte, the song is a unique mix of blues and soul that really sticks with you. The slinky bass line is particularly choice.

Formed in the mid 90’s by Washington DC natives Jeff Raines and Robert Mercurio while they attended university in New Orleans, Galactic’s sound is a love letter to that city’s illustrious funk history (most notably The Meters and Professor Longhair). Since the departure of their original vocalist in 2004, Galactic has continued as an instrumental group and have met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly relating to their 2007 release From The Corner To The Block, an album that featured a number of hip hop artists including Chali 2 Na, Lyrics Born, and NO native Juvenile.

You can listen to the track here and while you’re there, check out the collaboration with SF MC Lyrics Born “I Got What You Need.”