Crete Boom is an Irish Swing Revival / R&B group that benefits from a tight group of musician and a talented vocalist. Their main weakness appears to be the tendency to throw in too many influences and genres in their two online albums giving an uneven feel and a sense that they haven’t yet found their sound. The jazz and R&B based numbers are where this group blossoms. “The Choicest Cuts” on the album Navy and Grey is a joyous swing piece that shows off the band well. I also enjoyed “Broken Teeth”, a jazz rock jam that offers some nice improvisation in its eight minute duration.

The newer Ne’er Do Well has a similar unevenness but the artistry of these tracks still make it worth while. The opening “Sleeper” has a psychedelic influence while the following “Helpless” invokes Motown. The R&B is heavier on the EP which makes it my favorite of the two. The title track is a real joy, the kind of cooker that makes passive sitting and listening impossible and causes your whole body to move. The next two tracks do not fare as well but it all ends with a rousing “The Confidence Trick”. When Crete Boom is exploring its love for Rhythm and Blues, the group comes together like a well oiled machine. This band has a great sound but just need a more focused direction.

Both albums can be found on Jamendo in VBR MP3 format.

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Navy and Grey
Ne’er Do Well