UniversalDice returns with “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” on what might be their sixth album launch, coming in 2026, and since I bought an opportunity to preview the observe and watch the video clip, I haven’t been in a position to cease taking part in it. This music runs within the background and performs in addition to on headphones, so you may go about your day and revel in what it offers, despite the fact that it touches on the trials of conflict, it additionally touches on peace and offers a soothing impact.
The band consists of bass participant, Ed Canova, with a visitor look by Fred Rieter, of the New York Jazz Ska Ensemble, and that includes band chief Gerry Dantone on vocals and all different devices + mixing and producing. However this can be a UniversalDice music like no different, despite the fact that it doesn’t take them past recognition within the course of. If you happen to’re not within the learn about them, “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” is pretty much as good a spot to start out as any, however you’ll instantly discover the distinction with this lengthy working single containing wonderful saxophone work by Reiter, as he takes a large solo permitting the story to breath with melody and a sure class.
Dantone shouldn’t be solely a musician and band chief, but in addition a gifted songwriter and political philosophical author and activist incorporating it into his music, which makes for a very distinctive sound all their very own which no one else is doing prefer it, and this ought to be recognized earlier than entering into UniversalDice, and that’s the place the enjoyable begins. If not figuring out the place they’re coming from, their newest launch in 2024, Misfit Memoirs LP, comes extremely really useful, however additionally, you will discover “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” to vary from their norm, with out shedding their signature groove over it.
The musical backing and lyrics dominate the primary half of “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” with the sax solo taking on and sending it into the stratosphere, as soon as the work of Rieter takes over, in the event you’re not hooked, you’re not paying consideration. The music is superior undoubtedly, however the sax solo does all of the enterprise one can to deliver it excessive, and hats ought to be tipped to this unimaginable solo. It wins on all counts, because it is available in time to seize your full consideration.
Extra historical past on UniversalDice is so as when you hear “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” and it’s definitely worth the analysis as a result of Dantone write some extraordinarily eye-opening stuff for the fashionable music age, with direct socio-political theme that make you assume, marvel, and even stuffed with phrases to think about performing on. This inspiration degree isn’t going round sufficient, and UniversalDice present a effectively’s price on the topic’s individuals are every thing from uncomfortable to thoroughly devoid of in these chaotic instances, and “Warfare and Peace, Half 1” won’t play as anticipated by followers of UniversalDice, however comes as shock. Don’t miss this compelling single, hear the beautiful sax solo, and take a look at the accompanying video clip.
Mindy McCall
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