The neo-soul attack of Durand Jones & The Indications continues to impress. While earlier records drew from the Stax/Volt era, subsequent releases have pulled from a broader set of influences. Seventies soul seeps out of Flowers, the trio's latest, and it's a smooth, smart, slick set indeed.
"Paradise" is trippy and lovely, think Shuggie Otis or Brothers Johnson, while "Lovers' Holiday" is straightforward pop soul. That the tune is catchy is a plus too. "Really Wanna Be With You" is Eighties radio soul done right, while "Been So Long" is so close to William De Vaughn's classic "Be Thankful For What You Got" that these guys should expect to be sued.
These players -- Durand Jones (vocals), Aaron Frazer (drums, vocals), and Blake Rhein (guitar) -- are real playas. I mean, this is a make-out record, and I can't remember when I've ever said that about a record this side of the Reagan years. And that's what gives Flowers such tremendous throwback appeal. And while lots of indie reveals an almost ironic approach, or a disdain for actually pleasing a listener, Durand Jones & The Indications are old fashioned in how much they want this music to sound as good as the soul and R-'n'-B we grew up on in the Seventies and Eighties. I appreciate that immensely, and, given when I grew up and what I heard my parents playing too, Flowers is right up my alley. Highly recommended.
Flowers by Durand Jones & The Indications is out this week via Dead Oceans.
[Photo: Kalie Johnston]