May Review Round-up - The House That Soul Built

Read below for a round-up of some new releases!

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Goodfoot – ‘Love Come Down’

Goodfoot are a London-based duo made up of vocalist Danny Sharples and guitarist Huw Foster. Drawing influence from the likes of Daft Punk, Chic, Erykah Badu and Prince, the pair have a YouTube channel featuring live mash-ups of pop and soul hits. Their latest single ‘Love Come Down’, from an EP of the same name, draws upon Sharples’ first serious relationship. The lyrics implore vulnerability, mirrored through Sharples’ breathy, part-spoken vocals in the opening verse. Though a pop song, there are currents of neo-soul woven throughout with nice backing vocals from Kat Deal.

Leela James & The Truth Band – Are You Ready

Eschewing the contemporary soul and R&B of her previous albums, Leela James has joined forces with The Truth Band in a striking and bold creative move. The Truth Band comprises guitarist Jairus “JMo” Mozee (Prince, Mary J Blige, D’Angelo), bassist Eric Ingram (Arianna Grande, Lil Wayne), and drummer David “Dae-Dae” Haddon (Gwen Stefani). Described aptly by JMo as ‘psychedelic soul in a digital world‘, their debut EP Are You Ready is raw, dirty, and untainted by studio gloss. The polished vocals characteristic of James’ previous work give way to a raspier, looser, and more abrasive delivery. With an intro and interlude showcasing the band’s chops, the full-length songs impress from the uninhibited ‘Get Down’, the pained ‘I’m Out!!’, and the bittersweet but hopeful ‘I Still Believe’. Standout track and lead single ‘That Woman’ is an apoplectic mix of heavy rock and blues. James roars: ‘Why you disrespecting me? / Time’s up!‘

Boy George & Culture Club feat. Gladys Knight – ‘Runaway Train’

Reworking what was already a refreshingly throwback soul jam, Boy George & Culture Club have enlisted Empress of Soul Gladys Knight for a new version of ‘Runaway Train’ from their 2018 album Life. Ms Knight, who has kept her voice in terrific shape, sounds, well, terrific. What is most surprising is how well she blends with Boy George’s slightly weathered but warm tones.

Fantasia – ‘Enough’

For a few years now, Fantasia has been sporting the label of ‘rock-soul’ – reflecting a grittier, less prescriptive brand of soul inspired by Tina Turner’s genre-spanning career. It is also the name of Fantasia’s independent label. Her latest single ‘Enough’ evokes 1990s R&B, with the licks of electric guitar throughout giving soft rock undertones. On first listen, the melody and chord progression evokes Mica Paris’ ‘You Put a Move on My Heart’, reworked by Quincy Jones to launch Tamia’s career. While her full potential as a vocalist (often realised through her scintillating live performances) feels untapped here, Fantasia’s uncanny tone remains a great asset.