Live Review: Dress up and get down with Tuxedo's sophomore album, "Tuxedo II"

The boys in the black and white; TUXEDO are back, and for good now! Two years after their self-titled popular debut, they have released Tuxedo II, an immediate follow-up to the story and music themes prevalent throughout their first release.

After an anticipated but surprise series of single and EP releases throughout early 2017, Grammy nominated MAYER HAWTHRONE and extensive hip-hop producer JAKE ONE have united talents once again to give fans another taste of the 80’s high life in the form of funky, funky music.

The album kicks off with “Fux With The Tux” the title track of their 2017 EP and “2nd Time Around”, the pre-album single which was released in early March. “Take A Picture”, track number three and the first of which to have its debut on the album is an exciting, extravagant and great introduction to the newer material from Tuxedo. Tuxedo II starts off on an extremely strong note with “Take A Picture” travelling right up the charts of Tuxedo’s best tracks.

The album continues with “Rotational” a track with clear DÂM-FUNK vibes; from the lo-fi percussion to the glamorous synth plucks and harpsichord harmonies. Tuxedo takes us on a groove journey throughout the remainder of the album. “Shine” is Tuxedo’s first venture into a proper duet performance, featuring the back-and-forth vocals of Mayer and the enchanting voice of a solo female singer, and we hope it's not the last time we hear a Tux duet.

Tuxedo II features an appearance from none other than SNOOP DOGG. Snoop praises the Tux in “Fux With The Tux” and then gets his thanks and acclaims from the duo through the instrumental track, “Scooters Groove.”

“U Like It” features some of the thickest Moog bass lines known to man and is nicely complemented by acidic plucks and fizzing chordal notes. Tuxedo brings in the horns for “Back In Town”, a picturesque track about being reunited with a lover after being on the road for so long.

The album rounds off with “Special”, “Livin’ 4 Your Lovin” and “July", the first and latter being previously released on the Fux With The Tux - EP. “Livin’ 4 Your Lovin’" provides us with another classic lyrical theme of the love and dependence on your significant other.

Each of the eleven tracks on the album references and in some cases improves upon the debut with additional instruments, refined song structures, repetition of sensual lyrical content, whilst being tied together with the nostalgic aura that made the debut such a cult triumph within the wide demographics of fans.

Tuxedo II is out now via Stones Throw.

Fingers crossed Tuxedo head down under sometime soon.

Feature image by A-Side Worldwide

Words by Ben Xerri

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO

LISTEN: TUXEDO “2ND TIME AROUND”

LISTEN: TUXEDO “FUX WITH THE TUX”

LISTEN: TUXEDO “NUMBER ONE”