Under the Influence of Giants September 14, 2006

When you call your band Under the Influence of Giants, you’re expected to somehow be the sum of your roots, but this L.A. outfit defies easy categorization.

As their self-titled debut Island Records album bears out, the Giants’ funk-inflected, hook-saturated pop-soul is a combination of the Talking Heads’ African poly-rhythmic groove (“Ah-ha,” “Got Nuthin’”), the ethereal falsettos of Michael Jackson and Prince (“Mama’s Room”), the blue-eyed R&B of Hall & Oates and George Michael (“In the Clouds”), the insinuating melodic pop of Rubber Soul (“Stay Illogical”), Earth, Wind & Fire’s horn-driven, noirish funk (“Against All Odds”), McCartney’s winsome balladry (“Lay Me Down”) and even the throbbing beat of post-hip-hop by way of Madonna (“Meaningless Love”).

Official Website: http://www.cafedunord.com/brilliant/cal/p.event.php?E_id=1154549389&B_id=1151693366&P_id=3