The history of 24-7 Spyz dates back to the mid-Eighties, when black rock was largely an underground phenomenon. Like Living Colour, the Spyz emerged from New York City's groundbreaking Black Rock Coalition, but the similarities end there. Under founder Jimi Hazel, whose names are borrowed from Jimi Hendrix and Parliament-Funkadelic lead guitarist Eddie Hazel, the Spyz played small clubs and eventually released two indielabel albums, Harder Than You and Gumbo Millennium. Both received favorable responses, but the band never achieved the status of Living Colour.

The Spyz' third release, Strength in Numbers, follows changes in record labels and in the band's lineup. The new album comes out stomping, throwing punches and kicks even before the first bell. The scenes and grooves on these fourteen songs whiz by like a subway train. True to their original formula, the Spyz shift gears often and effortlessly. The effect is as dizzying as it is exciting and challenging.

"Break the chains of this freak show/Clear my brain/I can't take no more," screams new frontman Jeff Broadnax on the frantic "Break the Chains," a thrash-funk cut saturated with heavy guitar riffs and percussion licks. Broadnax also shows that he can croon on "Understanding," a passionate plea for peace and racial harmony performed to a reggae-ska beat. "Crime Story" has a ripped-from-the-headlines immediacy ("God damn! Here we go again – another brother shot down in the streets") that demonstrates the Spyz' social awareness. The Spyz even do a spirited love song, "Earth and Sky," a midtempo tune reminiscent of the early Commodores and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Strength in Numbers has a live feel to it, and 24-7 Spyz' diversity has never been so rich; the band moves along the spectrum of funk, rock, soul, rap and reggae. Their purpose is clear, and they achieve it: No matter how many times you listen to this album, you will never hear the same thing twice. (RS 644)

KEVIN POWELL