It’s reassuring to know soul is alive and well so long after its ‘60’s chart-busting heyday. With talented artists such as Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes, Dan Sultan and Ann Vriend bringing soul power to the masses, the genre appears to be in robust good health.
On the warm and deeply groovy album For The People In The Mean Time, Vriend, who hails from Canada, imprints her own personality, style and vibe on a genre that’s been embraced by so many seminal and iconic artists. Vriend and her band weave a sound that blends the warmth and intimacy of classic soul with modern touches such as loops and samples.
Highlights of this excellent album include the thought-provoking and poignant track The Greatest Killer which presents an arresting and nuanced reading of love; the clever social commentary, thrusting rhythms and soaring vocals that characterise In The Way; and Vriend’semotive and deeply impressive vocal performance on I Never Wrote You A Love Song which demonstrates that she is more than ready to give any soul diva a run for their money.
For The People In The Mean Time is essential listening for any lover of thoughtful, innovative and funky modern soul.
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
