Anthony Setola | “Interstellar Appeal” : Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine

Anthony Setola

“Interstellar Appeal”
www.anthonysetolamusic.com

Although bassist Anthony Setola hails from Baltimore, it’s obvious he has an affinity for the funk majesty of the Bay Areas finest.  Interstellar Appeal opens with a very funky T.O.P styled “Oakland and Back” followed by a Sly & the Family Stone cover of “If You Want Me To Stay”.  Most surprising about this release is just how funky, well produced and good this album sounds considering it is almost entirely drum programming and synth parts (with exception to the bass playing (of course) and a few guest artists).  The drum programming is pretty incredible here.  Very creative and organic sounding.  After the two opening covers, the rest is all Anthony and I’m as equally impressed by his musicality and bass playing as I am with the quality of tones and sounds he’s captured.  His bass tone is fat, round and articulate and, like I said, it’s hard to tell that the rest is programmed.  While the bass is very prominent and will surely perk the ears of lover’s of the low-end, it is far more musical than most bass-led debuts.  The writing is mature and song oriented, the playing is pocket heavy and as funky as you wanna be!  Think Rocco Prestia hangin’ with Meshell Ndegeocello and dig it.