The Soul Rebels Give Us Sweet Dreams
It's not unusual to listen to an EP and it inspiring you to start Googling away to see when the band is next playing live near you. However, the urge seems much greater when you listen to a group like The Soul Rebels Brass Band. Following the successes of their tuba and trumpet wielding counterparts like the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Brassroots, this set of musicians can really inspire anyone with even the smallest shred of funk and soul in their heart... and hips if you're any good at dancing. I ain't, but I'd probably give it a bloody good go.
Straight from New Orleans, The Soul Rebels Brass Band blend together hip hop and jazz in the most delectable way imaginable. Their sound is cool, fresh and engages you in that way which finds you moving along to the rhythm without you even knowing it. Not only is their latest 'Sweet Dreams EP' a treat for the ears, it's also a treat for the pocket being given away as a free download online. It's even better than that time I got given a free bottle of shower gel when I got off the bus in town. I'm still not sure why that happened.
'Unlock Your Mind' is a chilled breeze of a track with a slight reggae feel. The vocals that shine in this opener really come to life in the party vibe of '504'- it's oozing with a soul and gives you that nodding head to tapping toe sense of contentment. The glistening cherry on this funky cake is the cover of 'Sweet Dreams Are Made of These'. I'm quite the fan of a trumpet-smothered cover since falling for Hot 8 Brass Band's rendition of 'Sexual Healing' and this is right up there. The 'Sweet Dreams EP' is a short but potent blast of rich warmth which will be absolutely sublime to see performed live. It's only a three-track teaser but with the new album poised for release at the start of next year, you'll be hungry for a little taste more.