Youngblood Brass Band: Pax Volumi

Many groups are clambering onto the dangerously overcrowded new-school brass bandwagon, but these dudes from Oregon, Wisconsin have earned their place after nearly two decades in the game. Pax Volumi, the seventh album (and first in five years) from the former high-school band is a riot of jumping and pumping sounds, from New Orleans and jazz influences to the punky hip-hop flavours they've long favoured when it comes to stoking the fires.But while the sounds and instrumentals hit the target again and again, there are times when the inspid rapping on some of the tracks takes precedence over the righteous noises. YBB are at their best on powerful and fierce tracks such as Ela e, Overtake and Erik Owen, where they really go to town and show what they can do. youngbloodbrassband.com
Download: E la e, Erik Owen