The London Souls are it. And by 'it' I mean the long awaited answer to the question: What ever happened to pure, straight up rock'n'roll? - The London Souls are it. The New York City based trio have given people a reason to be excited about music in a way that hasn't been, shall I say, "experienced" since the likes of Hendrix or Sly and The Family Stone. Within their tight rock'n'roll tracks, there is a blend of blues and soul (reminiscent of The Black Keys).
When I saw them tuning up on stage at the Bowery Ballroom, I couldn't contain my excitement. I have seen so many great bands at the venue, and, having seen The Souls before, knew they would blow the place to bits with their tumultuous sound. They were in control from the second they started playing their opener, appropriately titled "The Sound."
Guitarist/Singer Tash Neal tore through his instrument with such grace, unlike anything I have ever seen before. I watched in awe at the soulful, emotional expressions on his face as though they were yearning to define the notes he was playing. His psychedelic, soulful voice had every single person in the crowd moving as drummer Chris St. Hilaire would howl in response and bassist Kiyoshi Matsuyama jammed along. A handful of the songs they played had a sound similar to that of Led Zeppelin or Cream. "Under Control" began with a bang and slowed in the middle to an A Capella three-part harmony that was entirely mesmerizing.
When Kiyoshi took to the mic, he gave the set a lighter sound, but not whimsical enough to break out of the rock'n'roll mold. They blended in lyrics from songs like "Within You, Without You" in the midst of a jam session that extended over six minutes in length. The three of them together are a sight to behold. They completely mastered their instruments. They exuded a genuine 60's-esque vibe from their threads to their personas; but they're dripping with originality.
The show left me mentally exhausted but wanting more. The crowd wanted more, too. The applause the band received lasted well after they had concluded their set. After the show, they were completely drained as they lay amongst the couch cushions back stage. They pour everything inside of themselves into their performances and it showed.
The Band's first album, recorded with producer Ethan Johns at Abbey Road Studios, is set to come out in early 2011. Their captivating sound will hook you in before you have a chance to escape it. The London Souls will introduce you to what you've been missing out on.
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