Deep Street Soul, since signing to Freestyle Records in 2008, have
earned a reputation as being right at the grittiest end of the hard funk
scene. From their debut self titled instrumental long player to the
2011 follow up ‘Look Out, Watch Out’ (spotlighting the addition of
vocalist Mighty May Johnston) earned the group accolades from everyone
who heard their music, and the audiences who saw them in concert during
two spectacular live tours of Europe – the crowning moment being their
appearance at 2013’s Saint Paul Soul Jazz Festival in France – which
brought home to everyone just how confidently the band had moved up to
the next level.
2016 sees them return with this quite spectacular new collection.
Whilst the diamond hard, driving grooves remain undiminished, the albums
opening track Out Of The Gates should banish any thoughts that this
incredible collective could ever slow up or go soft! There is also no
doubt that the bands song writing has developed to an equally assured
level. Case in point is Souls Come Alive – from Monique Boggia’s
Wurlitzer electric piano intro, the blistering horns and May Johnson’s
simply exemplary singing – the songs’ instant appeal will be lost on no
one with an ear for genuine organic soul music.
Joshua Tavares, from Melbourne, adds further weight to the idea that
Australia is the current hyper fertile nursery for 21st century soul
talent. The Hardest Part Is Knowing is a dynamic & sultry ballad
that encapsulates precisely what is required when delivering an
authentic song of heartbreak just like the way it used to be done.
Guesting on the amazingly catchy Love On Tap is another renowned
Australian songbird Kylie Auldist, who as well as being a successful
solo artist in her own right, supplies her gilt edged voice to both
Cookin’ On 3 Burners & The Bamboos. Two special mentions must also
be made; firstly to the Deep Street Soul rhythm section – Warren ‘Waz’
Hunter’s bass lines are always the perfect partner to Agostino Soldati’s
tighter than Lycra drumming – between them, these two don’t let the
pressure drop for a second! And secondly to the new boys – whilst being
in the band for 4 years are only just getting their first taste of the
action. The ultra catchy horn hooks of Dorian Broomhall & Will
Cassell along with the in-the-funk-pocket guitar playing of Mitch Power
have done so much to round out the bands sound to what you are now about
to aurally enjoy.
Come Alive is Deep Street Souls finest work – no if’s, but’s or maybe’s. It’s a done deal.
Tracklist:
1. Out Of The Gates
2. Done Me Wrong
3. Sweet Sugar Man
4. Soul's Come Alive
5. Messin With Me
6. The Hardest Part Is Knowing (feat. Joshua Tavares)
7. Love On Tap (feat. Kylie Auldist)
8. Little Ray
9. Big C
10. Deux Freres
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