NAFT Vol.2

This Belgian sextet, which seeks to merge avant-prog rock and the world's ethnic musics into a single celebratory stew, has few if any touchstones to Thelonious Monk (who wrote a tune called "Think of One"). And despite their considerable charms, the group's first two albums don't even sound like they were recorded by a single band -- somewhat ironic given the Think of One moniker. Juggernaut, from 1997, was quite literally all over the stylistic map of Belgian alternative music. Think of One issued its next album, Marrakech Emballages Ensemble (the first in a multi-album series), in 1999, and the disc prominently featured a gnawa master and several singer/percussionists from Marrakech, all but burying the group's still-forming persona in a wave of traditional Moroccan rhythms and call-and-response vocals. However, it all came together with 2000s Naft, which established Think of One as an earthy brass band for the global village, pumping out rollicking rhythms with bass, tuba, and drums, while layering sax and trumpet riffs through the mix, all in support of leader David Bovée's chunky electric guitar and party-ready vocals. Released in 2002, Naft 2 continues in the vein of Naft, with even more impressive results. The group continues to draw inspiration from Middle Eastern, Latin, and Asian sources, punching out the riffs and rhythms with street band gusto. But there are also innovative production touches that give the material a contemporary edge, and Bovée (also Flat Earth Society's guitarist) shows increasing maturity as a singer and composer, even striking a subtle continental crooner's pose during "Slooreke" (unless you understand the Flemish Dutch dialect, you'll have to guess what he's singing about). The influences are still varied -- the ominous avant-prog of "De Lucifer" is followed by the funky rap-rock of "Bang," "La Reception" is reminiscent of Henry Threadgill's Very Very Circus, and "Disco Bhangra" takes listeners to a Punjab dancefest. And yet, through it all, Naft 2 does indeed compel the listener to think of one: one helluva band that can tour a wide world of music and still emerge with a singular personality all its own. ~ Dave Lynch|