Earlier this month, The London Souls announced the release of their upcoming new album. Here Come The Girls is scheduled to take over the world on January 8. The album is the follow-up to their terrific self-titled debut. Based on their debut record and their phenomenal live shows, this release goes straight to the top of my "look forward to" list!Keep an eye out for this one folks.
Following the recording of "Here Come The Girls" in early 2012 at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, lead singer / guitarist / songwriter Tash Neal was a victim of a serious hit and run accident when his NYC cab was struck by a BMW drag racing down Broadway. When he arrived at the hospital - unresponsive and near death - doctors immediately performed brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma. After a medically induced coma and several surgeries, Tash's progress has been nothing short of a miracle. Tash is now back rehearsing with the band and ready for the release of "Here Come The Girls!"
"Here Come The Girls" reflects the inspired decisions of Tash and drummer / songwriter / singer Chris St. Hilaire made in taking the album in a new direction. By keeping the arrangements simultaneously loose and assured their soulful vocals became the perfect vehicle for this new collection of songs.
From the driving guitars, drums and harmonies on "City Of Light," to the pop craftsmanship of "Bobby James," the intimate "Isabel" and the swing of "Valerie," "Here Come The Girls" sees The London Souls meld a hybrid of styles and showcase a myriad of tones to create a classic record with timeless appeal.
This week's highlights ...
Two words ... The Heavy! (pictured right) They'll be at Bowery Ballroom o
n Monday, June 14 with The Black Hollies supporting them. You should go. These cats are not to be missed. They're also at the same venue on Wednesday, June 16, supported by Mount Carmel. But, that show is sold out! So, if you didn't get tickets for that one, your loss! *Bad-ass show pick of the week* The CareFusion Jazz Festival New York starts this week too. The festival takes place June 17 - 26 at various locations around the city. The trio of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette will be at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, June 17. The Jazz Gallery All-Stars will be at Symphony Space on Friday, June 18. And on Saturday, June 19, Bitches Brew Revisited at Prospect Park Bandshell. For other shows and more info visit the festival website.The Nati
onal takes on Radio City Music Hall with The Antlers in support slot on Wednesday, June 16. June 17 - Thursday is a hot night for music! The London Souls (pictured left) will be melting faces down at Bowery Ballroom that night. Seriously folks, these guys will melt body parts.Also on Thursday, June 17, Matt Powers is back in New York. He'll be on the LES taking the Parkside Lounge stage. New York rock band Audio Fiction will be rockin' out over at The Studio at Webster Hall on Thursday, June 17. They're on a bill that includes, I Love Monsters, Jangula, Apollo Run, Tenements and Viv Savage.
The London Souls: February 9 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
The London Souls took to the Mercury Lounge stage for the final night of their residency.
I caught two of the three residency shows and I'm officially hooked. These cats rock hard. They aren't some bullshit band of pretenders. They're straight up, all up in your face, real deal rock 'n' roll.It may be winter out but you'd never know it from the confines of the Mercury Lounge with The London Souls busy burning up the stage! When you walk away from a show a hot sweaty mess, you know it's been a good one. The place was packed full of enthusiastic fans ... some more enthusiastic than others. There was a whole lotta booty shakin' goin' on. There was flying hair ... still trying to figure out how the girl behind me managed to whip her hair in my mouth. Yeah, lets not think about that! There was the overly energetic guy flailing about ... my poor toes will never be the same. And through it all, The London Souls blazed through a tight set.Kiyoshi (bass/vocals) and Chris (drums/vocals) are one of the tightest rhythm sections I've witnessed at a rock show in a good while. And Tash (guitar/vocals), good gosh almighty, the man is just one of th
ose special guitarist that you need to hear live. Think a cross between Son Seals, Clapton, Hendrix & Page ... yeah, that kind of special. All, three displayed their solid rock 'n' soul vocals in fine form. The London Souls had already won me over. Heck, they did that way back when, when I came across their MySpace page and experienced their music. Seeing them live just cemented it. Last week they gave a wicked cover of "Stay With Me" that rivaled the original. And then, last night, they gave us an encore where they proceeded to rocked the hell out of "Lucille" like nobody's business. Between that and their own songs, it was one heck of a ride! Game, set, match, ladies and gentleman, The London Souls have moved to official favorite local band status. 
www.myspace.com/thelondonsouls
www.thelondonsouls.com
