Sometimes style can be a musical prison. Colonel Red, a British R&B artist, is a prime example. He can build interest within one song, but is so constrained by a particular style in his singing and writing, it’s a struggle to make it from start to finish on Keep Walkin’.

On the opening track, “I’m Colonel Red,” we get introduced to his style - tension is created by short, tight melodic lines that keep repeating along with lyrical phrases. Crisp drum work, precise bass lines, and keyboards and guitars that play exactly on the beat all hint at top level professional musicianship, but nothing breaks free at any point. There is some vocal improvisation that happens occasionally, but even then, the vocals are kept back in the mix, as if he’s afraid to actually let loose. On top of this, we never get bridges, breaks, or any changes to create interest. All we’re left with the strength of the original riff. Unfortunately, I’m tired of it by the time we reach the end on the song. On the third song, “Rain A Fall,” we get teased with the promise of a funky groove that will actually let Red get loose and finally find the funk. Again, though, the wailing sax that really drives the song on top of the bass and guitar lines is kept low in the mix. Why is Red so afraid of busting loose?! After listening to this album, I’m moved to put on some Prince or James Brown, just so I can hear someone perform without this restraint. Technical ability is great, and it’s absolutely required to play good funk. Once you have the technique, though, you have to let go and let the feeling take over. Otherwise, you’ll never get people to bob their heads and shake their butts.

To put it simply - it became a chore to make it all the way through Keep Walkin’, especially on return visits. There are few things worse than listening to R&B that’s afraid of being funky and soulful.