When people talk about the old adage that debut albums are often the best of a band's career - because they highlight the best work from the musicians' entire lives up to that point - it is with albums like Creepfunk Crusade in mind. A true organic grassroots effort, Steez and LaValley teamed up after LaValley began recording their live shows and a mutual respect developed. Subsequently, after writing about Steez as a favorite up and coming band on Glide Magazine's blog, Mason Jar Records co-founder Ryan Dembinsky and Steez became friends and decided that Steez and Mason Jar Records made a perfect collaboration for the start of a new independent label. These connections translated into an incredible energy and excitement for the project, the result of which is a special end. At its core, Creepfunk Crusade is exactly what it sounds like, a dirty as a West Village Taco Bell funk album. The overarching theme of the album is set by songs like "Electric Mr. Boston," "Duderfunk," "Wrappin It Up," and the album standout, "Scoring Position," which integrate innovative funk song structures, a fresh driving rhythm section, and patient powerhouse playing on sax, guitar, and keyboards. Alternatively, the band bends with sonic flexibility on departures such as the both catchy and hilarious, "Hot N Sweaty," which pokes fun at the ladies of the jamband scene - of which Steez is a part. Further, what is a debut album without a breakup song? Creepfunk Crusade includes the band's two song, multi-part cathartic stop-start opus, "So I Guess I'll See Ya" parts I and II, which highlights the band's honorary sixth member Kenny Leiser on violin and calls upon the Old West, Pink Floyd, and the Disco Biscuits for influence. With their remarkable work ethic, splendid song writing, unmatched chemistry, and now a brilliant debut album - one that turns the axiom that jambands can't make a good studio album upside down - Steez is sure to make waves and take Creepfunk to the next level.

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