For a man synonymous with the Beastie Boys, Mark Ramos Nishita's solo sound comes as something of a surprise.
Digressing about as far as could be imagined from the stoner hiphop of his former accomplices, the Huey Lewis lookalike deals in vibrant funk-pop, hinting more at his Japanese-Hawaiian and Chicano parentage than several years as the unofficial fourth Beastie.
The keyboard playing he is best known for was left to a fellow member of his tight band, who shrilled Hammond-style background blasts to accompany the experimental quality of Nishita's guitar, supported by a second strummer and jazz drummer.
They produced a set of highly danceable, groove-flecked spontaneity which, despite rarely threatening truly memorable impact, was enjoyable as much for its unexpected multi-instrumental talent as its effortlessly cohesive cool.
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