Thee Sacred Souls
Got A Story To Tell
Penrose/Daptone Records [2024]
“Thee Sacred Souls redefine modern soul with Got A Story To Tell—a heartfelt journey through love, identity, and timeless groove.”
Album Overview: Thee Sacred Souls are a San Diego-based group known for blending classic soul with Latin and retro R&B elements, creating a warmly nostalgic sound that’s distinctly their own. Formed in recent years by vocalist Josh Lane, drummer Alex Garcia, and bassist Sal Samano, the band quickly gained a following with their self-titled debut in 2022. Through personal hardships and life on the road, the band has grown closer, crafting a sound that balances emotional depth with musical sophistication. Got A Story To Tell, their rich and nuanced sophomore album, demonstrates the band’s maturation and refined artistry. Spanning 12 original tracks, the album explores themes of love, identity, and introspection, guiding listeners on an engaging journey. Produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Records, the album is filled with thoughtful arrangements, including strings, horns, and textured percussion, creating an immersive, layered listening experience. The band’s sound pays homage to soul traditions while exploring contemporary themes, making the album feel both timeless and refreshingly current.
Musical Style: Thee Sacred Souls deliver a fresh yet nostalgic blend of soul that draws from the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, merging classic R&B with touches of rocksteady, psychedelia, and Latin rhythms. The album’s production emphasizes rich instrumentation, with congas, piano, and guitar playing key roles, while Josh Lane’s vocals lead with emotional clarity. Rooted in classic soul aesthetics, the songs radiate warmth, harmony, and rhythm, presenting a vibrant take on a genre that remains faithful to its origins while innovative in approach.
Evolution of Sound: With Got A Story To Tell, Thee Sacred Souls expand their sonic landscape by incorporating more elaborate orchestration, including strings, horns, and layered harmonies that enhance their soulful foundation. The album’s tracks explore different aspects of soul, from tender ballads to upbeat grooves, showcasing the band’s growth and commitment to capturing a broader emotional range. Compared to their debut, this album feels more ambitious and multi-dimensional, with each song providing fresh insights into the band’s evolving artistic identity.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of vintage soul with a modern twist may recognize echoes of The Delfonics, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye in Thee Sacred Souls’ music. Their style also recalls the timeless vocal harmonies and lush arrangements of Motown and the Brill Building era, while hinting at rocksteady and Brazilian melodies. Their ability to evoke classic genres with contemporary authenticity sets them apart, appealing to listeners of all generations. Thee Sacred Souls also fit within a roster of modern soul acts like Durand Jones & The Indications, Monophonics and The Altons.
Pivotal Tracks: The album’s journey begins with “Lucid Girl,” a dynamic and empowering opener that celebrates independence and inner strength. Its vibrant instrumentals and layered strings create a sense of optimism, setting the tone for the album. “On My Mind” follows, with sweeping orchestration that mirrors its introspective lyrics on life’s highs and lows, blending dreamlike melodies with thoughtful reflections. Near the album’s close, “One and the Same” presents a heartfelt plea for unity, emphasizing compassion and shared humanity—a message that resonates today. “Waiting On The Right Time” embodies everything great about modern soul with an irresistible beat, rich harmonies, and Lane letting his voice soar at just the right moments.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics in Got A Story To Tell center on universal themes of love, empathy, and self-discovery, expressed with an honesty that feels authentic and relatable. Lane’s songwriting reflects a genuine search for connection and understanding, often prompting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and experiences. From musings on self-worth to the ebb and flow of love, the album’s lyrics are simple yet powerful, drawing listeners into stories that feel both personal and universal. Each song captures a slice of human experience, making the album feel like a heartfelt conversation with a close friend.
THEE SACRED SOULS LINKS
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Penrose Records | Daptone Records
- Kim Deal: Nobody Loves You More [Album Review] - November 22, 2024
- Alvilda: C’est Déjà L’heure [Album Review] - November 20, 2024
- Doug Gillard Reflects on the Return of Children’s Crusade - November 15, 2024