For a band that’s proven so adept at deep funk grooves, Filthy Funk refuses to take the easy way out on its new album, Eklectric, which is officially released on December 19th, 2009. If you were expecting a predictable facsimile of Filthy Funk’s dense, highly danceable live sound, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Core members John Viviani and Nick Murray take an adventurous, forward-thinking approach to the new album’s production that not only keeps pace with today’s soul innovators but arguably steps out ahead of the pack. Somehow, they manage to restrain, even minimize, every instrument yet still come up with music that brims with power and drama. Danielle Ponder’s vocals soar as each song presents fresh combinations of funk, disco, reggae and rock— BY SABY REYES-KULKARNI