Review
From reading up on the band, I've found that their music was previously a "World Pop" style of music, with reggae, ska, and a few African musical styles. This album is the first for the band to incorporate electronic elements in their music, with vocal distortion and synths taking on a new role in the music. It appears that the band has also undergone a lineup shift for this release, as lead vocalist/guitarist Erin Harpe now is joined by Jim Countryman on Bass Guitar and MicL PTVN on keyboards. All that being said, these four original songs have a funk element to the music that makes each and every song prime dancefloor material. Although, after seeing the titles of the songs, I was concerned that they might be like the more contemporary "booty" focused songs - which means they'd be trashy. However, these songs all keep a spirit of fun at their core without resorting to filthiness. The balance of the album is a little heavily swayed toward the remixes, which normally would be a detriment to the album. However, here they are diverse enough in style to make the repetitive factor not become the issue it could. The "Bombay Booty Machine" remix uses samples from what sounds like a India-native woman giving a meditation lesson on a record. Very unusual, to say the least. The following remix of "Get It On Down" uses a lo-fi crunchy beat over isolated vocals and a very simple synth lead to create a mix that's surprisingly enjoyable. The "Rebooty" remix, also done by Mark Moon, has a similar overall approach, but not as much emphasis on the beat. The "Sitting And Loving" dub of "Sitting And Watching" slows the track down considerably, molding it into a laid-back lounge groove., while the "sittingwatchingwaitingthinking" mix of the song makes the song sound like it recorded like in a old gospel choir setting. The "Boots Booty" remix adds a funky guitar lead and a strange acoustic guitar jam onto the track. Just odd, and not particularly engaging. The Kraftwerk-esque electro feel of the "Show Yr Love" remix easily made it one of my favorites. Overall, this is a very interesting release. Lovewhip have certainly carved out a unique niche here, combining reggae, funk, rock and electropop to make a very distinctive sound. Given the nature of this album and it's heavily weighted nature toward the remixes, it's a little hard to judge just the band on it's sound, but I think they've found a promising new arena of music to explore here. Recommended! --Jason Baker, writer
Product Description
LOVEWHIP is breaking ground with a revolutionary new sound on their third studio CD, Virtual Booty Machine. Hot off the trail from winning a Boston Music Award last year, Lovewhip's new CD will take the listener to a bright new future, weaving the sexy soulful vocals of Empress Erin with crunchy rock guitar lines, electro-pop style synth and funky electro dancehall beats. The CD was independently produced by Lovewhip with the help of Darron Burke (Makeshift Studio). It includes remixes by MicL PTVN (Lovewhip, Cassette), Mark E. Moon (Plunge into Death), DJ MonkOne, and Reggie Burrows (Trumystic, High Fidelity Dub Sessions #3). LOVEWHIP mixes the best of African and reggae-influenced dance rhythms, new wave synth and electronica, punk energy, samples, and unique female vocals. Think Talking Heads meets No Doubt. Combining the talents of singer/guitarist/songwriter Empress Erin Harpe with the crazy low-end stylings of bassist/songwriter Juicy Jim Countryman, and the keyboard/melodica/sampler genius of MicL PTVN, Lovewhip's fresh and original female-fronted dance music has been setting dancefloors ablaze throughout New England and the East Coast, playing 150+ shows a year. The band has opened for such national acts as the B52's, the Scissor Sisters, the Tom Tom Club, and Third World.
