MODERN SOUL and R'n'B REVIEWS
The Imperial Wonders - Time Machine DYOB Records
This is a fabulous album from the everlasting Imperial Wonders. Their experience, musicianship, vocal abilities all shine through. There's a bit of old skool with an updated slant, good time funk and wonderful ballads. I enjoyed this very much indeed
The band is led by Al Boyd who also either wrote or had a hand in writing all the material.
I append below the sleeve notes taken from the group's website www.dyobrecords.com
A brief rundown of the tracks are as follows:-
DNA - Old style funk with updated lyrics piecing together DNA and OJ. Great supporting vocals and overriding falsetto.
Tales from the grip - More slow funk and this is better and even harder with an enormous bass line.
Time Machine - Moving on to a soul ballad, rap intro into smooth harmonies, featuring Sheldon and Andrew from Earth Wind and Fire on Guitar and Sax.
Sweet Delight - Midtempo with a bit of a disco influence in here
Just Leave - Sweet soul, heartfelt lyrics and great group soul with each lead performing excellently over a weeping sax. Beautiful stuff and my favourite track.
You're good (in the bed) - Another deep slowie as the title would probably suggest. Again a strong lead and great interplay and support.
Spiritual Love - Bringing it up again, to a more Modern Soul Groove, the beat renders the voices not so prominent and it is predominantly Al (presumably). Nice track.
In the Bedroom - Closing with a slightly messier track (both vocally and with persistent drum track) which doesn't work for me' almost Ragga break as well!
A well rounded album of funky and group soul, most enjoyable for those that thought they didn't make it like this anymore.
I hope to be doing an interview with Al and this should feature in the interview section in due course.