An R&B show band fronted by a Canadian of South Asian heritage who's currently living in Germany sounds like it ought to be some kind of practical joke, particularly since said bandleader used to be a member of
the Spaceshits. But even though
King Khan clearly has a sense of humor -- with bandmates named Sam Francisco and Mr. Speedfinger, he'd better -- he and his group the Shrines deliver a high-impact variation on classic soul that's as real, as frantic, and as heartfelt as the day is long, and
Khan's third proper album,
What Is?!, is one sweat-soaked shakedown party captured on plastic for the ages.
Khan can shout with the keyed-up fury of a great garage rock belter and he's an estimable songwriter, but what really sets
What Is?! apart are the dynamic, muscular grooves laid down by the Shrines. Lead guitarist Mr. Speedfinger's wah-wah enhanced leads are inspired, Fredovitch's rich, full-bodied organ lines embrace classic styles with a contemporary edge, and the horn section (Sam Francisco,
Ben Ra, and Big Fred Roller) can jump from traditional Memphis punch to free jazz inspired caterwauling at a moment's notice (
Khan cites
Sun Ra in the liner notes, and on "Cosmic Serenade" and "Fear and Love," their willingness to drift off into Saturn's orbit confirms the influence is sincere and well-informed). With a great ensemble at his disposal,
Khan isn't afraid to show off their range, and along with jumped-up R&B groovers like "Land of the Freak" and "(How Can I Keep You) Outta Harm's Way," there's the slinky soul of "Welfare Bread," the psychedelic explorations of "I See Lights" and "Fear & Love," the straight-ahead
Stones-inspired ferocity of "No Regrets," and the moody acoustic closer "The Ballad of Lady Godiva." In the grand tradition of
James Brown,
King Khan has assembled a band as gifted and wildly visionary as he is in the Shrines, and on
What Is?! they're throwing a better, wilder, and smarter party than anyone in town; they cover a lot of ground on this set, and find a killer groove wherever they touch down.