Self-released

Despite only being around for a little more than a year, the chemistry between the members of Kung Fu makes them sound like they’re veterans of the 1970s jazz-fusion era. Each song on their debut album is filled with raw energy, starting with the first track “Bopcorn,” which features some stellar moments from keyboardist Todd Stoops. The album is completely instrumental aside from “Gung Ho,” which climaxes in lightning-fast solos by guirarist Tim Palmieri and tenor saxophonist Rob Somerville, who repeatedly asks, “Tell me what you want me to do?” as the rest of the band creates a swirling funk groove behind him. The highlight occurs on “Junoon,” an aptly-titled number that comes from the Urdu word for “madness, obsession and passion.” Palmieri puts everything into the song, making Kung Fu sound like a bizarre death metal and jazz combo.