Durand Jones & The Indications
Durand Jones & The Indications
Colemine Records [2016]
Album Review: Durand Jones & The Indications’ self-titled debut doesn’t just nod to the golden era of soul—it settles into it with lived-in ease. Born out of basement recording sessions and bonded by a shared reverence for classic R&B, the Indiana-based group sidesteps nostalgia traps by leaning into sincerity over polish. With Durand Jones’s commanding delivery and Aaron Frazer’s tender falsetto trading off on lead vocals, the album creates a dynamic interplay that feels both grounded and fresh.
Musically, the band walks a careful line: the arrangements are tight but never overbearing, letting horns, keys, and rhythm guitar carve out space without overcrowding the mix. Songs like “Smile” and “Make a Change” offer emotional depth without slipping into sentimentality, while “Is It Any Wonder?” slows everything down for a moment of pure heartache. There’s a subtle complexity to the way they balance grit and grace, echoing acts like Charles Bradley and Lee Fields, without falling into imitation.
Beyond the music, the record’s cover—speaks volumes. Like the album itself, it’s understated but memorable, a perfect visual for a band that wears its influences proudly while quietly carving its own path. Durand Jones & The Indications isn’t just a promising debut—it’s a reminder of soul music’s enduring capacity to reflect both individual longing and collective spirit.
Key Tracks: “Smile” / “Is It Any Wonder?” / “Make A Change”
Artists with Similar Fire: Lee Fields & The Expressions / Smokey Robinson / Charles Bradley
Durand Jones & The Indications Website
Durand Jones & The Indications Facebook
Colemine Records
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