The sophomore album from the SoCal-based Thee Sacred Souls speaks to their throwback style before the music even starts, as the trio of drummer Alex Garcia, bassist Sal Samano, and singer and songwriter Josh Lane pose for the 1967-inspired Daptone album cover. Once the music flows on Got A Story To Tell, the group’s retro soul pours out, continuing the smooth style they displayed on their successful debut.
Opening with “Lucid Girl,” Thee Sacred Souls pile on the rich bass, strings, and huge lead vocals from Lane, which soar. While all the music is fluid, Lane’s vocals can be show-stopping. His falsetto climbing on “Waiting on the Right Time” is stunning, as is his wide range on the affecting “In the Mirror,” just to highlight two strong vocal offerings on an album full of them.
Wah-wah guitar is showcased on the ballad “Price I’ll Pay” while the backing vocals and strings add depth to “On My Mind”. The slow swaying “Somebody Knew” is a righteous outing with guitar, brass, and organ work. Both “Live for You,” with deftly deployed upbeat strums and percussion, and the socially conscious “One in the Same” takes clear inspiration from peak Marvin Gaye offerings.
The bass and drums chart the groovy ways on the languidly swaying “My Heart Is Drowning” while “Losing Side of Love” is less successful, acting more as a placeholder than an inspired offering. The vibrating “Stuck in the Mud” is a fun bubbling affair, while the closer “I’m So Glad I Found You, Baby” is a swelling layered finale.
Crisp and engaging retro soul flows freely throughout Got A Story to Tell, Thee Sacred Souls’ robust second album.
