What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear New Orleans? Even with the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, the first thing that comes to my mind is the culture-more specifically, the music. The city known for jazz and big brass bands is the founding home of Atlanta-based "future funk stars" Water Seed. The five-member group (vocalist Shaleyah, drummer Lou Hill, flutist Cinese, and keyboardist J Sharp) has released their third indie offering Fresh chalk full of funk, R&B, and soul. The group, that has toured internationally and most of the Southeast, known for its live show has produced a funk fusion album that sounds effortlessly smooth. Without experiencing their live show the album's highlight is the vocal styling of lead vocalist Shaleyah. Shaleyah's expressive voice brings raw emotion to the tracks especially on Hope, a moving cry to the Almighty. Her voice is so strong it overpowers the sound of the band on some of the tracks. Shaleyah easily goes from soulful and stirring to sing-rapping the vocal styling indicative of funk music. The melding of her voice and with the musicians is probably best heard live but Water Seed rocks out on These Are The Days, New Day, and Magnificent. Each member of Water Seed plays fluidly together and altogether distinctive with the varied sounds of their instruments. My favorites lie in Water Seed's exploration in its more sensual side with Missing You and Closer. The New Orleans influence is all throughout Fresh while introducing the elements of funk and soul that transfers the live band experience to a personal concert for the listener.