A classic style, very gentle retro-soul debut by the Leeds-based trio of Josh Crocker, Tom Henry, and Joe Harris with outstanding guest vocalists following the all-in-one room recording method of Sun and Stax in Memphis or Muscle Shoals in Alabama. Obviously it’s impossible to fully emulate the standards of those studio’s backing bands, but the trio keep a simple, mature balance between bass keyboards and drums and the occasional flute or swooning strings and the warmth of sound. From opener, Summer Breeze with Rosie Lowe, there’s gorgeously slow simmering, intimacy at play here, the band keeping their instruments admirably restrained and minimal, letting vocal performances shine out. Standouts here include Tell Me Why (with Olive Jones), Got To Be Good (with Pip Millett and Fool For Love with also with Pip), the delicious, almost whisper of Are You Still A Friend? (with Flikka), and the fusion of some intimately delivered hip-hop by Enny in the song Mountains. Never in a hurry, the band play instrumentals in between the guest singers, keeping the vibe low-key and authentic including a gentle, lovely evocative number Portofino, featuring guest parthenope. in all, beautifully relaxing as well as emotional. Out on Blue Flowers Music.
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