Inca Maya- Inca Maya
by David Higdon
Hailing from Jacksonville by way of the stratosphere, Inca Maya's self-titled release rides a cosmic moonbeam into your CD player. Vocalist-guitarist Matt Grondin, bass player Shane Platten and a power drummer identified only as "The Sultan" have crafted a unique sound from diverse influences – the album offers everything from danceable funk to fist-pumping metal to the occasional rock ballad.
Inca Maya opens with "Where You Are," which could have arisen from the Indian subcontinent. A vaguely ancient horn intro gives way to Grondin's sitar-like guitar run descending down the fret board, before the music shifts to a churning charge of drums and guitars; "Where You Are" is entirely workable within the group's vast parameters, and is not indicative of the band's wide range. There is a reggae undercurrent to "Insomnia," while "Let It Roll" has a high-energy funk feel to it. The latter, with its Family Stone vigor and swirling keys, is one of the standout tracks.
Just when you think you've got a handle on Inca Maya's style, "The Simple Things" throws you off with its gospel ascent and its focus ..boards and choirs instead of driving guitars and funky rhythms.
Inca Maya is a difficult band to peg, but that is the point here. No category's too tough for this trio to defy – it's a safe bet that, no matter what kind of music you enjoy most, it is represented here in some form, and finding it is half the fun.
Special thanks to Rob Johnson for helping making this happen. Be sure to pick up a copy of Hittin' The Note and support a great magazine!
-Matt
