Rob’s Album Of The Week: Badge Époque Ensemble’s Self Help

Toronto’s Badge Époque Ensemble have a different kind of funk going on. This captivating take on the style has various sonic elements at play. Some are electronic while others are orchestral and a few have a vibe that’s a jazzy mix of soul and R&B. It’s also incredibly raw with tones shining organically and there’s no filler present whatsoever. It’s genuinely groovy music and their sophomore release, Self Help, that’s coming out on November 20 via Telephone Explosion Records is a fantastically encompassing record that’s very easy to get lost in.

The main part to this musical equation that sets the tone is Maximillian Turnbull’s skills on the Fender Rhodes and synthesizers. His electro-jazz approach sets the band’s sound apart from a lot of similar acts. Also, Alia O’Brien’s flute playing on the album is incredible with the vocals from Meg Remy, Dorothea Paas, James Baley and Jennifer Castle being the icing on this complex cake. There’s something refreshing about the Badge Époque Ensemble but I just can’t nail down what it is. Maybe that’s what the band aims for as I listen from song to song.

Well, COVID-19 is still around and I’ve been talking about it for months. It’s pretty much the main story of 2020 and it’s effected all of our lives in some way so you can’t really blame me. On the positive side, news of a couple…