“The Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra,” is a fitting name for Gov’t Majik’s debut album. Gov’t Majik dedicates the album to the city of New Orleans and to all those who are rebuilding their lives. Majik not only returned to New Orleans post-Katrina, but it became one of the most prominent jazz/funk groups in the New Orleans circuit. Known for intense and mesmerizing live shows, the nine-piece did it’s best to capture that same energy on CD with mixed success. The opener, “Welcome to the Undaground (Ballin…),” is an incredibly danceable number featuring African drums which later shift to a more familiar funk-rock finish. The rhythm section takes the reigns on the hip-hop flavored, “Fo Sho,” while fuzzed-out guitar and tenor sax round out the funky creeper, “Hyde and Seek.” 

However, the band holds back a bit at points. Sometimes it leads to songs that share tempos and moods, which causes difficultly in distinguishing between tracks in some cases. The band still manages to create some unique and interesting music that is anything but standard, and this album is a good introduction to Gov’t Majik, but check them out at a club when you get a chance.