Bouncehall

Album Review

There are more world influences — from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to Brazilian melodies to African drums — in Lovewhip's music than in the average '90s ska band, but the effect is similar. Bouncehall is a fun-loving, summer party album that is undeniably danceable while it's playing and quickly forgotten when it's not. Regardless, this sophomore follow-up to the band's debut, Whip It Baby!, is a genuinely catchy dance record. Singer and guitarist Erin Harpe has a definite knack for Jamaican vocals and the occasional "simmer down" ("I Don't Know Why"), all delivered with a sexy and soulful groove. Plus, her ability to combine African highlife, soukous, and juju with Jamaican ska and reggae (the reggae number "Ego Fantastic" or the feel-good "Jambo Bwana" for example) is pretty innovative. Get this band to play your house party — because when Harpe sings "come with me to the dancefloor now...all you have to do is move your feet and shake your body to the beat," it's guaranteed you'll be there shimmying and shuffling with a big smile on your face. But when the party's over and all the guests are gone, you'll be pretty unlikely to throw on the CD.