J*Davey

J*Davey has been on the scene for a while now, but for all of you who don't know, they are definitely worth checking out.

The duo, founded by Los Angeles natives Jack Davey and Brook D'Leau, produces a unique fusion of soul, electronica, funk, punk, R&B, and new wave. With such a diverse range of influences, you'd think that their sound might be cluttered, but instead they manage to craft incredibly cohesive units of musical wonders that are inventive and unlike most of what we hear today. Although the riffs and beats of their musical forefathers are clear and apparent, their method of spicing up funk and soul with thoroughly modern electronica is what takes their sound over the edge. The resulting melodies, showcased on their 2007 industry double-disc mixtape release The Beauty in Distortion/The Land of the Lost, are both infectious and mellow at the same time-- your body is forced to duel between the desire to dance it out in a fit of techno-inspired madness, and to groove seductively to funk-a-dellic riffs. Navigating your way through the sonic madness (and I mean that in nothing but a good way) is Jack Davey's honey-smooth, raspy voice. Sounding much like a cross between Eryka Badu and Prince, Miss Davey's hypnotic low tones and lush high notes give the duo some much-appreciated soul.

J*Davey's clever, if somewhat cryptic, lyrics are not to go unnoticed and serve as a fresh match to their musical stylings. I had the opportunity to see them live this past summer, and it was a high-energy spectacle. Jack Davey's stage presence is undeniable; she was able to keep the crowd hyped as she took us on a tour of the duo's roster of jams, ranging from slow jams to punk covers. Not only is she full of an energy and sensuality that makes her a joy to watch on stage, but she is stylish beyond belief and can rock the hell out of some pumps and some sneakers!

Peep J*Davey's video "Mr. Mister" below, and although they have yet to release a full-length album, you can check out more music here. Enjoy

(Thanks to SoulBounce for image)