Incorporated

Album Review

Lazy came about when Kiran Shahani and Rick Torres, who had previously recorded under the name Supreme Beings of Leisure, were joined by silky-voiced singer Jailyn Matthews-White. From the first track of the trio's debut album, their strategy is clear: blend modern electronica with retro pop sounds, throw in some exotic touches and a filigree of turntablism here and there, and sit back and watch the crowds do the Watusi. They achieve their goal most powerfully on the album's first six tracks, which include the sassy and swaying "Daylight," with its fingersnaps, orchestra, and turntables, and "Way Out," which features gloriously wanky fake sitar and a quacking clavinet. Then comes the funky reggae workout "Love Robbery," the group's first radio single. "Same Old Alibi" explores jungle territory, while "In This Life" glides on a hot Latin vibe. Things bog down a bit in the middle, with the ho-hum jazz of "It's Over" and a lame trip-hop number titled "Valley of the Wasteland," on which an MC named Kokaine makes an embarrassing appearance. But things pick up at the very end, with two fine remixes of "Way Out." Highly recommended overall.