There are countless bands and artists mining the same vein of old-school soul out there these days. But almost nobody strikes pure gold as frequently and successfully as Durand Jones & The Indications do on their superb second album American Love Call. It’s a singularly impressive achievement for a band that started off as a one-night lark by some Indiana music students — and whose self-titled 2016 debut reportedly cost $452.11 to make (including beer) and was recorded on an American Idol toy microphone. But then, soul isn’t about money; it’s about passion, integrity and authenticity. And this dozen-track disc has all of those in spades. It also boasts a meticulously crafted sonic and stylistic foundation whose slinky guitars, ringing keyboards, in-the-pocket grooves and bold brass lines draw openly and lovingly from classic Motown, Stax, King and Hi records sides. Not to mention a lyrical approach that balances romantic yearning with topical fare about race and income inequality. Put them together and the supple-voiced Jones and co. create superb, stirring songs that can stand next to classics from James Brown, Al Green, The Isley Brothers and other legends. If that doesn’t qualify as a love call to the sound, style and substance of timeless American soul music, nothing will.
https://youtu.be/SANEafqL5io
