With a male singer who sounds like Sade and a funky mix of Philly soul and breezy California country-rock, Hobex might not seem like an ideal band to set sail on the Sea of Tranquility. But here's the thing: Listen closely to Enlightened Soul (the band's fourth full-length CD), and you'll hear plenty of classic rock and fusion influences stemming directly from the Seventies. Gurgling organs, a relaxed rhythm section and those smooth vocals from guitarist/lead singer Greg Humphreys lend a thick of air of familiarity to these 10 tunes. "Free the Music" and "Don't Waste Your Time (In Falling In Love)" recall tracks you might have heard during the freeform days of FM radio, while the folksy "Behind the Door" echoes The Grateful Dead and adds a beautiful piano solo. "I'm Not Ashamed" unfolds in a dreamy swirl, and "Hold Tight!" emerges as the album's heaviest and funkiest tune (although right about now is when Humphreys' vocals may begin to grate). Some of the material here could be considered too sappy or soft, but for a modern-day throwback to another time and place, this is — indeed — enlightened listening.
Track Listing:
1) Free the Music
2) Don't Waste Your Time (In Falling In Love)
3) Man and a Woman
4) Behind the Door
5) I'm Not Ashamed
6) You Set Me Free
7) Hold Tight!
8) Enlightened Soul
9) Push It Off That Hill
10) Natural Child
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