If I played any song off The North 41’s newest album, “World on Fire” to you right now, you would probably be shocked to learn that it came out less than a month ago. The North 41 are a funk band through and through, and “World on Fire” strays away from the autotuned hip hop/pop that dominates the mainstream music scene today. Many of their songs are reminiscent of funk and disco greats like “Earth, Wind & Fire” and “Kool and the Gang” If anything, bands like The North 41 are what the world needs right now: a journey back to a funk dominated musical landscape. Although their sound originates from an older style of music, they still manage to make it fun and entertaining to their modern listeners.

“World on Fire” is a fun album to listen to. It’s as simple as that. If this album does not make you get up and dance, something is very wrong. The vocals of singer, Riley Pettrone which are almost reminiscent of a mix of Michael Jackson and Adam Levine from Maroon 5, make the album stand out. Only a small number of singers can hit the notes he can, but at the same time he brings a needed “angst” that makes it more unique. What makes the album special though are the instrumentalists. In funk, if both guitarists are not on the same page there is going to be a hard time. Guitarists Pat Walsh and Frank Minella never need to worry about that. Both guitars complement each other in such a way that one never overtakes the other and it creates a perfect balance. Next up is Donovan “Heavy” Brown. You can’t have a good funk band without a good bassist and Brown does not disappoint. Talented and experienced, he puts down complex bass lines that add extra flair to every song. Finally, the “bus driver”, Michael Campo, delivers that classic funk drumming that brings everything together and keeps the band upbeat (no pun intended).

World on Fire, My Magic, Living on Top, and the Real thing are all songs that can easily get you into the dancing mood. While 4 Days, 5 Hours, SHouted, and The Vibe are all slow jams that allow you to relax.

And finally, if you are trying to “dim the lights”, try out “Baby We Can Figure It Out”. In my opinion, this song rivals “Let’s Get it on” by Marvin Gaye in terms of mood setting.

Personally, I have listened to this album in its entirety at least four times. I cannot get enough of it. I am a huge proponent of non-pop/non-mainstream music so obviously I am a little biased, but I can say with certainty though that The North 41 are extremely talented musicians who are on the up and coming in Chicago. Mark my words: these guys are the next big thing.