Four80East – Off Duty
Hot off the press and into my new albums playlist on spotify this week, Four80East’s latest offering, Off Duty. Frequently blasting out of my car speakers as I embark on another long trip somewhere, Four80East have once again made an easy home in my hi-fi. Their unmistakable style still shining strong and true but the fresh nature of the music on this pressing simply can’t be ignored.
After a few minutes on the turntable I can’t help but draw distinct parallels with Nocturnal, the sultry undertones and softer rhythm section lending its self strongly to that laid back, late night lounge listening with a long tall one and a summer breeze drifting across the terrace.
It’s not all mellow grooves though; the first track on the album, The Walker, brings in a distinct crisp modern edge on the lyrics side of things and Nothing is Written, a track around the mid section of the album, has a distinctly Eastern fusion flavour to it which I feel is certainly a new angle by the group but a foray which seems to have paid off.
It’s rare I find myself consistently impressed by a Jazz group’s offerings over a number of consecutive years but I do believe that Four80East are strongly bucking the trend. For fans who remember their sounds in the noughties I’d recommend checking out tracks from this album “Cashed Out” and “The Walker”, while those seeking something a little more up to date from the group will thoroughly enjoy “Sandbar” and “Gare Du Nord”.
A welcome addition to any jazz-head’s collection, a purchase of this album won’t disappoint.
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The music don't feel like it did when I felt it with you 
Tony Grace Said,
May 7, 2013 @ 2:13 pm
Hi Kieran!
Nice review of our new CD Off Duty.
Cool if we quote it for press purposes? ie on the website or EPK?
Rob and I will be sure to send you advance copies of any new releases…
Thanks again Kieran!
Best,
TG
Kieran O'Shea Said,
May 7, 2013 @ 9:55 pm
Hi Tony,
Thanks for reading! Yes, please feel free to quote for press or publicity purposes. Advance copies are always welcomed! Do you have any London gig dates coming up in the future?
Best wishes,
Kieran
John B Shanahan Said,
June 14, 2013 @ 3:38 am
From Flickr to Thailand (Jonathantaylorphotography.com), to England? Kieran O’Shea and what is on top of his webpage….Four80East, my favorite…whom I saw last month in New Jersey. (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Four80East).
On top of those coincidences, My Mom was married to an O’Shea (from Kerry, Castlegregory Ireland)
Andrea Matone Said,
January 8, 2014 @ 11:33 am
This sounds great. Playing it at the studio. Very soothing Electro Jazz.