Album review: Compilation 001 by Make It Funky
Album Review: Make It Funky– Compilation 001
August 17, 2021
Elise Mills
Groove to Make It Funky’s premiere label release before the summer ends!
In anticipation of the next Bandcamp Friday, why not plan to pick up a digital copy of Make It Funky’s debut compilation? If you’re late to the party like me, Make It Funky has been running some of the coolest parties in San Francisco since 2012. They’ve built an eclectic DIY community and a healthy, living, breathing house and disco space for those of us who need to remind ourselves to get out of our heads and groove to good, lighter, bouncier dance music every once in a while. To celebrate their 8th anniversary, they “fast-tracked” the establishment of their Make It Funky™ label in June and gifted us their very first album from the collective: Compilation 001. You definitely don’t want to miss this.
This inaugural release features 6 funky tracks to start any part of your day right. The tone is set by several of the Bay’s familiar house favorites: Birds of Rhythm x Seb Hall, Brown Amy, Rafael Cancian, Siete (Seven Davis Jr.), and 3kelves. While I don’t live and breathe house music and disco as much as other genres, there is so much to appreciate with Compilation 001. This album is just phenomenal: it boasts variety and interesting grooves in and between house and nu disco that will stand the test of time. Dreamy synths are the name of the game here, especially with En Palermo; what a fantastic opening track. Seb Hall and Birds of Rhythm set the mood for enjoying a typical cold San Francisco daytime haze; comfy and cozily layered in the way that you need a sweatshirt to enjoy the sun outside. The track has been on constant replay for me this week.
From there, you can’t go wrong with Rafael Cancian’s double disco contribution. His melodic lines make for the sweetest “analog dream” indeed. Next up, Brown Amy’s track “Ooh Boi” serves as an instant escape route from this reality– such a clean, clean, mix to get totally lost in. Seven Davis Jr.’s new alias Siete follows up with the timelessness and familiarity of a classic house track that makes me yearn for a slightly warmer patio vibe to accompany it. And finally, 3kelves finishes the album off strong with that wobbly synthy groove magic that makes you want to listen to the whole compilation all over again. I’ve probably listened to this compilation six times, and yet I notice a new detail with each re-listen. It’s! That! Good!
Okay, so you’ve heard my pitch. Here’s what you do next: 1) Purchase the album here to support this awesome crew in their future exciting label endeavors. 2) Leave the bs at the door. 3) Go listen to some great music (this album). And most importantly, 4) have a good time. And stay alert for upcoming Make It Funky parties because music is often best enjoyed with big speakers and friends on the dance floor.
Elise is a recovering 2020 graduate, sound artist, and noise lover born and raised in San Francisco. Especially interested in the metaphysicality of sound, she spends her time attempting to prototype DIY synthesizers and experimenting with (and lamenting!) the whims of magnetic tape, among other experimental electronic projects.