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It's so good to hear a real band playing real music these days. In this era of Pro Tools and singers who enhance their vocals with software programs, to hear a band like Water Seed is refreshing. This talented quintet from New Orleans has been garnering much praise for their energetic performances and the music is "off the hook." Fresh from their smashing debut project - Two Words - the band took the vibe to the ATL (that's Atlanta for those of you who don't know!) where they recorded their latest project live and direct at Apache Cafe. What was and placed on the EP that became Early For the Future is astonishing.

I knew I was in for a treat the moment the CD began to play. Two seconds into the first track you can hear a woman scream as if she knows she is in for some good music. The vibe hits you as the band kicks into high gear with the song "Pressin'" and unleashes a musical etouffee of flute, drums, keys, and bass. Ryan Johnson's vocals are smooth as she sings of overcoming obstacles while Cinese wails a flute so serious that it's mind-boggling. When the band drops into the follow-up number "Missin' You," you can feel the ambiance of the crowd that makes you wish you were there as all of this was taking place. Just when I thought these cats couldn't get any funkier, they break out with a rendition of Stevie Wonder's classic "Higher Ground" that will have you out of your seat and testifying about the goodness of soul music! Other standouts include "Y'all Come" and "Dance In the Sunshine."

Water Seed is a band that will make a big impact when they release their upcoming full length release, Wonder Love. If Early For the Future is just a sample of what's cooking in the studio at the present moment, one can only imagine what's to come from these amazing musicians for the remainder of 2008. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

By Christopher Whaley