New York’s Beastie Boys couldn’t have asked for a better title for their new album, “The Mix Up,” because mixing things up is exactly what the trio of adulterated former brat rappers do here.
Drummer Mike D., bass player MCA (Adam Yauch) and guitarist Ad Rock (Adam Horovitz) trade in their microphones and turntables for an all-instrumental album. The results work surprisingly well with each song’s vibe allowing the music to speak for itself without words needed.
“Off the Grid,” which appears midway through, takes enough funky twists and turns to make your ears queasy while giving your head something to bob to and feet something to groove with. “The Rat Cage” and “The Gala Event” showcase a darker sound while “14th St. Break” and “Electric Worm” are downright infectious.
