'Love Child' serves as the second full-length album release from Spanish soul outfit, Koko-Jean & The Tonics, whose varied concoction of explosive 60s-inspired soul music infused with rhythm & blues makes an incredibly welcome return.
Serving as the official follow-up to the band's debut release in 2021 with 'Shaken & Stirred', Koko-Jean & The Tonics openly wear their influences on their sleeve as their music pays sublime homage to the roots of northern soul but still openly embraces various branches within the blossoming soul music tree from blues to rock'n'roll.
Theirs is a passion for the genre that is aptly reflected via the recording home of Barcelona-based label, Buenritmo Records. Themselves showcasing an incredible array of artists and collectives each boasting their distinctive take on soul music from the quintessential blues of The Sick Boys, the vibrant jazz-funk of Dani Nel·lo + Organ Trio and the raucous swing of Los Mambo Jambo Arkestra. Koko-Jean & The Tonics couldn't be in safer hands or more at home than a label with such a deep-seeded affection for the genre and its diverse make-up.
Fronted by the awesome vocal of the titular Koko-Jean Davis - formerly known as the vocalist of The Excitements - The Tonics are subsequently comprised of drummer Anton Jarl, guitarist Dani 'Patillas' Baraldés and Hammond organist Victor Puertas. The trio of musicians form such a tight, cohesive and powerhouse unit that afford Davis the vast to confidently soar over the variety of musical landscapes on offer to her.
From the infectious dance-floor-groove of 'The Spin', the funk-fuelled 'Gonna Be A Party Tonight' (which sounds like it's come fresh from a 2am Prince aftershow), the blues lament of 'Never Ever' and the impassioned 'I Can't Stand You', Koko-Jean & The Tonics present inspired perspectives that harken back to beloved facets of soul music's greats.
The fact that it's an homage so masterfully put together is what makes 'Love Child' such a distinctive and fantastic project - Koko-Jean & The Tonics continue to occupy a lane all of their own with a sound that is bolstered by intricate production, excellent musicianship and an extraordinary vocalist.
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