Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.

Review: Thee Sinseers excel at expressing the complexities of love through their engaging melodies. The band, rooted in East Los Angeles, has made a name for themselves in the Chicano soul scene, led by QuiNones. The lineup also features talented musicians such as Eric Johnson on tenor sax and Jose Luis Jimenez on trombone, all contributing to a rich tapestry of influences, from 1960s rocksteady to the vibrant spirit of Ritchie Valens and Ray Charles. 'Can't Call My Baby' leads the way as one of the strongest tracks taken from their debut full length album highlighted on this 7". On Side-2 introduces 'Take A Chance', a brand new and previously unreleased track. Here, Joey Quinones shines with his distinctive crooning, urging listeners to seize the moment and embrace love before it's too late. The inclusion of a soulful harmonica adds a lively flair, beautifully blending elements of classic Motown with Latin soul influences. Together, these songs highlight Thee Sinseers' distinctive sound and artistic versatility, merging nostalgic elements with a modern twist.

Review: The Sinseers' 'For You' is the quintessential soundtrack to Southern California vibes. From the opening notes that evoke images of beautiful beach strands under the sun to the heartfelt chorus, the song transports listeners to another world. Led by Joey Quinones, a true son of East Los Angeles, Thee Sinseers defy categorisation as mere oldies players. Over the past five years, they've honed their craft, infusing r&b and soul with a modern twist. With 'For You,' they deliver a timeless blend of music that captures the essence of a bygone era while remaining fresh and relevant in today's scene.

Review: The glorious Athens of the North label will always be one of our favourites. It is pretty much buy on sight for lovers of soul, funk and disco and this month it is serving up two more unmissable long players. Here it is Ike and The Uptights and their superb sounds which make, what me might bravely, say, could be one of this always high class label's finest releases. Formed by Henry Bradley in Forrest City, The Uptights recorded for Memphis label Action Records and here we get a perfect window into their world of raw and guttural funk.