On marks the first release of New Orleans’ own e.company, a quintet of young, skilled instrumentalists crafting intricate jazz and funk-steeped songs. The band cut its’ teeth on Frenchmen, playing first as a more traditional trio until evolving into the lineup that produced the beautifully packaged On.
The point of entry for most listeners will be Joe Shirley’s appealingly soulful vocals and oblique lyrical imagery, but the foundation holding these tracks together is the rhythmic one-two punch of drummer (and Joe’s brother) Dave Shirley alongside bassist Trey Boudreaux. On “I See 3,” a propulsive onslaught of sound yanks listeners in unexpected directions, while the R&B tinged groove of “Something Crazy” showcases the band’s uncanny ability to conjure a sensual evening glow. The six-minute instrumental jam “Treehouse” closes out the record as a reminder of the band’s improvisational ingenuity, continually intriguing while stopping short of indulgent.
Unfortunately, the band’s obvious virtuosity is sometimes in service of songs that don’t wholly need or deserve it. “Interpose” hangs in the air aimlessly, aching for a bigger idea to justify its existence. Despite that, interesting sonic elements will hold listeners’ attention through the more limp moments, and as a whole On remains a bold debut.
