A.I. Masters Pt. 1 by Downtown Lester Brown: EP Review

by Gabe Finch February 2, 2023

February 2, 2023

A.I. Masters Pt. 1 by Downtown Lester Brown: EP Review

The ‘A.I. Masters, Pt. 1’ EP by Downtown Lester Brown is a groovy hybrid of musical styles that demonstrates Brown’s wide variety of interests. An interesting and varied listening experience can be had with these three songs due to their intriguing combination of funk, blues and vintage, and metal.

The EP kicks off with ‘Last Laugh’, a groovy rhythm with a powerful bassline and smooth guitar work à la vintage funk bands. Because of the singer’s silky, soulful delivery, this song stands out immediately. The song has a Latin rock Santana vibe along with a hint of Tarantino. The lyrics are, like with many of our songs, a metaphor for the way the richest 1% of the population treat the world and its inhabitants. A blues-influenced funk-rock song with tight rhythms and sophisticated guitar solos, ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ is the album’s second tune. This song exemplifies the band’s talent for fusing musical styles into a compelling whole. It’s a nod to the golden period of blues music, and there are hints of the noir detective stories of yesteryear in the album’s themes. Steve’s crazy whammy effects and metal-influenced soloing took it kicking and screaming into the 21st century. The final track, ‘Vanishing Act’ demonstrates passionate singing, fusing metal and funk, complete with a pulsating rhythm section and distorted guitar chords. The dynamic, powerful emotions will stay with listeners long after the music has ended.

Mixing old and new guitar tones with a heavy dose of funk makes for a compelling and entertaining listen. Anyone looking for something new and exciting in their listening experience owes it to themselves to check out the EP, especially those who like funk and guitar music.