26/4/13
After reviewing The Soul Circle Gang's 'Live In Session' compilation for No-title magazine the group fittingly invited me to Smokestack for the launch of their latest single 'Fresh Fruit'.
The 'warm, intimate venue' described in my previous review was unusually stuffy, hot and overcrowded on a busy Friday evening. Sweaty surroundings made it harder to appreciate the music and for many people the poor visibility considerably reduced the enjoyment. My partner left early, overheated and fed up of being knocked into. Charging a small fee for upstairs entry might have helped ease some of these irritations.
Those who endured these problems were rewarded early on with 'Ghosts in the Night', which garnered a favourable response. The high energy brass and improvised vocals were extremely compelling.
After reviewing The Soul Circle Gang's 'Live In Session' compilation for No-title magazine the group fittingly invited me to Smokestack for the launch of their latest single 'Fresh Fruit'.
The 'warm, intimate venue' described in my previous review was unusually stuffy, hot and overcrowded on a busy Friday evening. Sweaty surroundings made it harder to appreciate the music and for many people the poor visibility considerably reduced the enjoyment. My partner left early, overheated and fed up of being knocked into. Charging a small fee for upstairs entry might have helped ease some of these irritations.
Those who endured these problems were rewarded early on with 'Ghosts in the Night', which garnered a favourable response. The high energy brass and improvised vocals were extremely compelling.
Later on the cover
of Black Box's 'Ride on Time' was exceptional. Lara Rose's take on
Loleatta Holloway's classic vocals showed off one of her many
inspirations. 'Music is my Mistress' was much better hearing the
instruments live and really pumped up the crowd. The now energetic
audience was dancing wildly throughout with passion for the finale and
much appreciated encore.
Afterwards, 'gang' member Joe Kemp revealed their many influences include punk, afrobeat, reggae and soul. He claims they never have problems blending the ideas of multiple personalities because of their mutual 'dark sense of humour' and are looking at mixing even more styles to create a more sophisticated sound.
The talkative chap kindly dropped off a copy of the new single to my flat, which also features sensual 'Umbrella of Life' as the bonus track. Highlights of 'Fresh Fruit' included its pleasant tempo, easy listening vibe and quirky sense of fun. Sadly, the rotten lyrics felt like forceful filler and took me out of the flow slightly.
The sheer diversity on offer can often be their greatest detriment because it is impossible to please everyone all the time. On most occasions though, they manage to accentuate the positives and ever present selfless collaboration remains an important, trademark strength.
The band wished to be taken more seriously around the end of 2011. If they can keep improving and finding fresh influences, this aim will be achieved in the upcoming months and beyond. Their music will no doubt continue to evolve and innovate, attracting fans of many genres in the process. Let's hope comedy does indeed keep this group and their future members together long into an ambitious future.
Click here to check out The Soul Circle Gang's website
Afterwards, 'gang' member Joe Kemp revealed their many influences include punk, afrobeat, reggae and soul. He claims they never have problems blending the ideas of multiple personalities because of their mutual 'dark sense of humour' and are looking at mixing even more styles to create a more sophisticated sound.
The talkative chap kindly dropped off a copy of the new single to my flat, which also features sensual 'Umbrella of Life' as the bonus track. Highlights of 'Fresh Fruit' included its pleasant tempo, easy listening vibe and quirky sense of fun. Sadly, the rotten lyrics felt like forceful filler and took me out of the flow slightly.
The sheer diversity on offer can often be their greatest detriment because it is impossible to please everyone all the time. On most occasions though, they manage to accentuate the positives and ever present selfless collaboration remains an important, trademark strength.
The band wished to be taken more seriously around the end of 2011. If they can keep improving and finding fresh influences, this aim will be achieved in the upcoming months and beyond. Their music will no doubt continue to evolve and innovate, attracting fans of many genres in the process. Let's hope comedy does indeed keep this group and their future members together long into an ambitious future.
Click here to check out The Soul Circle Gang's website
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