They Got the Funk
The Soul Motivators
Do the Damn Thing
Toronto funk messengers the Soul Motivators deepen their groove and expand both their sonic palette and social consciousness on their sophomore full-length, Do the Damn Thing. The interim five years since their debut, Free to Believe, saw vocalist Shahi Teruko (a replacement for Lydia Persaud and who makes her striking vocal debut here), James Robinson on keys, Marc Shapiro on bass, Voltaire Ramos on guitar, with Doug Melville and Derek Thorne on percussion refine their love of the Meters and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings-inspired soul and funk.
Those familiar with the Motivators’ infectious throwbacks will definitely get their groove on to the title track — where Teruko’s soulfully unfettered vocals make its command irresistible — and the deep fatback strut of “Say What You Mean” and “Drag and Drop,” where the group’s interplay feels as vibrant as ever. But it’s detours like the car chase fever dream of the aptly titled “Savalas,” which seamlessly blends MFSB sophistication with the urgency of classic ’70s blaxploitation and cop shows, not to mention Blood, Sweat & Tears, where the Soul Motivators are at their most cinematic and ambitious. “Modern Superwoman” is a poignant paean to single motherhood with sublime arrangement and an emphatic vocal from Teruko. Do the Damn Thing closes with “Black Rhino,” a moody, instrumental, horn-driven charge both cerebral and body-rocking, suggesting that the Soul Motivators’ sonic path is just taking flight. (Do Right Music)
How has the band’s sound evolved?
Robinson: I think we continue to hone our influences: ’60s and ’70s R&B, hip-hop, instrumental jams — it’s a continuation of a great love that we had back in the day. As a keyboard player, I bring in a Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder influence, and my songwriting has taken elements on this album, like T-Rex [and] Chicago. I’m influenced by modern soul artists like Anderson .Paak and that’s encouraging as a direct influence on my songwriting.
Does this album have more social consciousness to it?
Yes, with “Modern Superwoman,” Shahi’s absolutely fantastic lyric and melody that’s a standout. We were sort of messing around with the musical backing to that. Shahi’s honed her lyrics; it took a little bit of time for that one to come together, to take it away and really think carefully about that tune and it really shows. We’re absolutely excited about how it turned out.
way to a gritty reality more and more, as the album grounds itself nearing its conclusion, before finally giving way to a moment of ecstasy at the end, almost like a dream realized. Utilizing a variety of different sound palettes, from glossy synths to pounding drums and chanting voices, Lopatin uses the Uncut Gems score to give the listener effective moments of tension, dreamlike airiness and triumph, making listening a journey all on its own. ( Warp)
POP
METAL
METAL