
With the release of
Sea Of Noise, Birmingham, AL R&B/ Soul revivalists
, St. Paul & The Broken Bones have managed to sidestep the dreaded sophomore slump. The band, composed of Paul Janaway (vocals), Browan Lollar (guitar), Jesse Phillips (bass), Andrew Lee (drums), Al Gamble (keys), and Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Jason Mingledorff (saxophone, clarinet, flute) and Chad Fisher (trombone).
My initial impression of their critically acclaimed debut release,
Half the City was that Janaway & co. were something special and that the sound on that record that would be difficult to duplicate and may unfortunately leave them forever behind the eight ball. Thankfully, Sea of Noise builds upon earlier records yet can’t not be categorized as Half the City pt. 2.
Musically, the Broken Bones have become a tighter unit in their songwriting. Displaying a sharpness with almost pin point accuracy to their sound which shows a growth and maturity to their sound.
Vocally, lead singer Paul Janeway’s powerful and exuberant soul delivery is still in the forefront for the lion’s share of Sea of Noise. What’s most gratifying for me as a listener is the manner in which St. Paul changes gears from a riveting intensity to that of a smooth soulful crooner. In some ways it feels as if he has embraced the voice that he’s been given.
On the whole, Sea of Noise has unequivocally solidified St. Paul & the Broken Bones a place in my record collection smack dab in the middle of Sam Cooke Otis Redding, AL Green, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
Highlight tracks:
*Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like)
*I\’ll Be Your Woman
*All I Ever Wonder