“Inspired by early MTV R&B crossover stars like Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson ... Foreign Press aims to bring back that classic style for the younger generations.” – Angela Ratzlaff, OC Register, December 7 2013

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It's been 7 years since the artist formerly known as Richard Bivens & Foreign Press released their debut album, Absolute Beginners. As their name implied, Bivens was the frontman/primary songwriter for the band. Shortly after Bivens left the group in 2007 to form the critically acclaimed Regrets & Brunettes (with former members of RBFP), guitarist/keyboardist Ali Ghanavat decided to reset the band as simply Foreign Press. With longtime RBFP backup vocalist Juanita Mankuleiyo assuming lead vocal duties, Ghanavat recruited RBFP's original drummer Richard Rizk, and founding member/bassist Robert Pavlovich. They began playing and rearranging unreleased songs from Bivens' back catalog (and songs Bivens wrote for the "new" band).

Ghanavat and Rizk went into the studio to arrange tracks as they envisioned for these unique songs. Mankuleiyo's strong vocal presence breathed new life into the selected numbers culminating in the band's self-titled debut. While Bivens' acerbic wit and heavy subject matter is still felt throughout the album, Mankuleiyo's interpretive style proves to be a perfect vessel for softening the edges. Notable musicians including Paul Nowell (Aretha Franklin, Spoon) and Adam Ashe (HOTT MT, Dahga Bloom) also lent their talents to the Yomo Media release.

Leadoff track "You Get What You Pay For" opens with a menacing bass line that sets the stage for an intimate look into the world's oldest profession. Mankuleiyo coos to potential customers and naysayers alike, delivering line after depraved line like a true lady of the evening while the band lends a steady hand and seedy backdrop to the proceedings. Confidence begets contrition with the wailing, Crazy Horse-esque "A Sad One". With a nod to Sir Jagger, Mankuleiyo sings about the "cocksucker's blues" as the band provides the musical equivalent.

Other album highlights include the power pop gem "Cocaine Kids", which brightly speaks of growing up fast and that youth is indeed wasted on the young. "Boys in the Band" is a delicate combination of vocals, finger snaps, and electric piano which give way to a gorgeous violin solo and scat outro. Reflective and other worldly, it demands repeat listens, as does this entire filler free album.

Foreign Press is:

Juanita Mankuleiyo – Vocals

Richard Rizk – Drums

Robert Pavlovich – Bass

Ali Ghanavat – Guitar/Keys

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