Falling into a somewhat well worn trap of style over substance, Bassboosa make music that does everything right technically but lacks the heart and soul to completely back it up.  Leaning far too heavily on impressive productions skills and the smooth vocals of frontwoman Jasmine, Bassboosa forget to inject much personality or fresh ideas into the songs that make up their self titled BASSBOOSA long player, an unfortunate case of all surface no feeling.

It's not to say that this is a record that doesn't have its moments, Bassboosa occasionally dropping in a song or two that pricks your attention, but these moments occur way too far and few between to make up for the larger periods of dullness and blandness on offer here.

The likes of SUCCUMB and DRY HELL are songs that do little to grab your attention, let along keep your interest.  Jasmine delivers her vocals in a mesmerisingly breathy purr, the undoubted star of things here and a natural talent; but without the songs to back her up, Bassboosa just come across as a dull sounding trip hop/folk hybrid, ten years too late and not really bringing anything fresh or new to the party.

BASSBOOSA does have its share of highpoints, opening track CRY getting things off to an atmospheric start and a mesmerising cover of Chris Isaak's WICKED GAME managing the blur the lines between the Paris Texas soundtrack and the Sneaker Pimps.

Bassboosa sound like a decent band straining at the leash to prove themselves as a great band on BASSBOOSA, never quite reaching those heights, but constantly promising better things.  With a talented vocalist in Jasmine and the occasional glimpse of originality amongst the by-the-numbers trip hop and folk here, this is a band with enormous potential.  Ultimately, BASSBOOSA fails to live up to that potential, but at the least leaves you with the definite feeling that this is a band to keep an interested eye on in the future.

Jasmine and Tim met whilst working in a London record store a few years ago and began writing and recording songs together, blending atmospheric pop with strong melodies, stirring lyrics and a creative mix of electronic and live instrumentation. 

They have just completed their much anticipated, self-produced debut album which was written, recorded and mixed almost entirely in Tim’s makeshift studio in his parent’s attic! Coming from very different musical backgrounds - Jasmine’s influences from the likes of Jewel, Alanis and Tracy Chapman, whilst Tim has come from a strong classical background with a passion for electronic music – they have created a unique sound of their own, instantly recognizable by Jasmine’s intoxicating and infectious vocals combined with Tim’s intricate and atmospheric musical textures and production. 

Thanks to huge support from Sat Bisla’s Passport Approved radio show in the US (aired on Indie 103.1, LA, WEQX, NY and KNRK, Portland, OR) 2006 saw Bassboosa finding themselves a loyal fanbase before they had even finished or released their record. 

Their cover of the Chris Isaak classic "Wicked Game" became a No.1 hit on KNRK, Portland, Oregon. "It is the most requested song we've ever had in the 11 years we have been on the air," says KNRK programme director, Mark Hamilton. Word is now spreading fast and radio stations all over the US and now in the UK are picking up on the Bassboosa vibe. 

2006 also saw Bassboosa move onto the stage with their fantastic band. In May they played their first US dates. As well as a packed acoustic evening at LA's Key Club, they also headlined to a capacity audience at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon, selling over 1700 tickets. 

Now, with the album ready for release, a video (shot in the Spanish desert) in it’s final stages of production and more tour dates planned in both the US and Europe, 2007 looks set to be an even more exciting year for the band. 

Bassboosa> http://www.myspace.com/bassboosa