Dinosaur Feathers: Control

Ostensibly finding initial inspiration in the first few Janet Jackson albums, the members of Brooklyn’s Dinosaur Feathers fully immersed themselves in early ‘80s R&B for their latest release, Control. With its cracked take on the genre, it often walks a fine line between homage and parody, irony and sincerity in a manner that makes it nearly impossible to discern their initial intent. This ambiguity only serves to heighten both the overall fun quotient and level of appeal throughout as they tear through nine songs in 40 minutes with reckless abandon.

Ultimately, Control is an immensely enjoyed album full of plastic soul, smooth, crooning vocals, tight horns, and bubbling bass. Borrowing heavily from the genre’s history, one can hear echoes of everything from the Temptations to Prince to the aforementioned Janet Jackson in lead singer Greg Sullo’s delivery. Synthesizing the best parts of each, Dinosaur Feathers have come up with a wildly enjoyable album that transcends mere genre exercise, finding itself a deserving equal among its floor-filling influences.