Here Come The Girls

The London Souls

Feel Music, 2015

http://www.thelondonsouls.com

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 02/11/2017

I really need to apologize to both Tash Neal and Chris St. Hilaire, because this second album from the New York duo known as The London Souls really should have been on my year-end list for 2015.

The album actually was slated to come out in 2013, but Tash Neal barely survived a hit-and-run car accident that reportedly left him unaware that he even made this fine album. After brain surgery and a year of learning how to walk and play music again, The London Souls quickly made up for lost time by promoting this album properly with explosive live shows. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

“When I'm With You” starts off the album like a power-pop variation of a '70s tune, with a soulful folk-rock influence and plenty of grit. The guitar work is warm and fun, and this moves into the thick, funky and bluesy “Steady,” which tips its hat to both Led Zeppelin and Lenny Kravitz in his heyday. “Hercules” ushers in a change of direction that resonates with me –namely, the quiet, nearly whispered acoustic side of the pair. Thankfully, later on, they walk this path again on the soft, Elliott Smith-ish “Isabel,” which, much like “Hercules,” illustrates the talent that is present at any volume and tempo.

But I suppose most people came here for the rock, and there's plenty of it. “Crimson Revival” is a mid-tempo anthem, while “Alone” is a swampy rock tune. However, they also put their feet up for the laidback pace of the soulful “Bobby James.” The album exits on “Run Zombie Run,” another acoustic strummer made from soft genius that serves as an extremely memorable way to end a fantastic album.

From a near death coma to pounding out these animated, loud and driving rock songs, The London Souls truly encapsulates everything fans of rock 'n' roll hold dear, while clearly wearing their influences proudly (i.e. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Zeppelin). Fortunately, these are traits and skills most of us will never tire of.

Rating: A

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