St. Paul & The Broken Bones—Proxy

Featuring this band has been long overdue. While it's certainly not a genre I've featured much, sometimes I think music leaves behind the classifications that invariably try to define it. Sometimes music is felt on a much deeper level, and this most definitely is a perfect example.

Opening with the title track, "Proxy", you immediately know you're in for something quite special. Musically, I'm immediately reminded of Amy Winehouse, but I think that's more due to my limited reach with this kind of music and my ability to pick suitable alternatives. Vocally though, and I think I'm showing my age somewhat, I'm reminded a lot of Sananda Maitreya, or to use his former moniker, Terence Trent D'Arby. The vocals just ooze confidence and passion. It's soul, but I think the term "deep soul" really evokes the heart of it.

Slowing things down a little is "Loving Wrong", and while there's something quite formulaic about the track in the way that I'm able to know how it's going to unfold, that's totally inconsequential. There's certainly a hint of Otis Redding, but while Otis' voice is maybe a little sweeter, here there's more of a rawness. That's not to slight either, but just to give an idea of what to expect. You feel very much part of the performance, like you're actually in the audience. I think particular acknowledgement of the supporting music is most definitely needed, as this track sounds incredible, especially on headphones.

For me, there was something slightly odd about "Pretty With A Chance of Rain", but I think that's more in comparison with the previous two tracks. Musically, it has a somewhat peculiar start, but it soon gets into its stride, and again I think the strings really stand out. It also doesn't quite have the same intensity as the previous two tracks, but it's very much its own song and it builds nicely towards the end.

The EP closes with "Mess I Made", and it has a more upbeat, funky sound. To some degree, it has hints of Pharrell Williams or maybe even Bruno Mars, but it doesn't quite spill fully into that more pop side. I think if it had, it would have really set itself apart from the rest of the EP, but fortunately, the emotion and those incredible vocals support what is a great song and, indeed, a great way to close the EP.

As I mentioned before, the band has been on my radar for so very long, but I just haven't got around to reviewing them, which I think has been a total mistake on my part. Absolutely fantastic, and a great way to get your morning started.