Chich and the Soul Messengers - Dirty Soul

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 4 / 5 / 2015

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In less than a year the Sydney-based four-piece band that went under the name of lead singer/songwriter Chich has already released their debut album, ‘I’m Alive’ and a cracking live EP, ‘Live at the Vanguard’; the band now swiftly follow up those releases with ‘Dirty Soul’ and finally the three musicians who back Chich, guitarist extraordinaire Simon Morel, bassist Yann Charavel and drummer Brad James get equal billing as the Soul Messengers and a more appropriate band name would be impossible to find. While Charavel and James didn’t appear on that debut, they appear live with the band, obviously feature on the EP and provide the perfect rhythm section for Chich’s soulful musical journey. The one thing that puzzled about Chich’s music in the past was why, when each musician contributed so much to the overall feel of the music, were they not credited under a band name? Maybe the line-up wasn’t settled back then, but one can only hope that these four guys stay playing together in the same band now as there is no other group who create the sound, feel and atmosphere of classic 60/70's soul as well as these musicians do. Those who have already been smitten by Chich (everyone who has heard ‘I’m Alive’ and the live EP) will know exactly what to expect here and will not be disappointed. For those who missed out on those earlier releases and who have even the slightest affection for real, classic soul music from the golden age of music, then prepare to be more than pleasantly surprised as Chich and the Soul Messengers are certainly keeping the faith and the flame alive. The down side to ‘Dirty Soul’ is that it only features seven songs. It’s like the band storm in, show what they are capable of and move swiftly off leaving the listener slightly exhausted, wondering where the last twenty-six minutes went and begging for more. There are five Chich originals and interpretations of two classic songs, ‘Call It Stormy Monday’ and ‘(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to be Right’ which was featured on the live EP and which is worth the price of this album alone. Taking the two non-originals first, we’ve noted before that despite numerous versions of ‘(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to be Right’ the version by Chich really is at the top of the tree. The old soul boys don’t really like to hear their cherished memories recreated by new bands and they have a point, why mess with perfection, but Chich and the band inject new life into this classic. Morel’s guitar playing is just superb, understated almost, but the perfect foil to Chich’s perfect soul-drenched vocal performance. As for the contribution from Charavel and James, they gel perfectly with the other band members. T-Bone Walker’s ‘Call It Stormy Monday’ has also been covered to death but once again Chich and his band inject enough of their own musical vision to make their version stand out. It’s obvious to all where singer Chich’s heart is musically but while we knew that Morel is an outstanding guitarist there are still moments as on his solo in ‘Call It Stormy Monday’ where he blows the listener away with his scorching guitar playing that seems light years away from the direction Morel took on his earlier solo albums. This guy can play the blues like few others. That leaves the five originals. Opener ‘Wake Up’ is the perfect introduction to Chich and the Soul Messengers. With the band providing a funky backing, Chich shows just why he should be rated as one of the best soul singers around today. Not for the last time does Chich show his skill at writing socially aware lyrics, urging us all to open our eyes and to question those in power and to what we are doing to the world we live in. It’s powerful stuff, both lyrically and musically. While on the first listen, as with other lyrically-charged songs here, it’s the way the tightness of the band and, obviously, those emotional vocals from Chich that grab the listener's attention, further listening reveals that Chich really is a shrewd lyricist. ‘I Wish You’ is Chich’s take on a love song, but that doesn’t mean that the band have to desert their funky roots. With excellent backing vocals from the wonderful Amanda Easton the song covers a lot of ground, combining soul, blues and even a touch of gospel along the way. ‘Revolutionaries’ is another lyrically astute slab of pure soul. It’s the kind of song that many of us seem to remember Sly Stone turning out, but did he really capture the feel of an age as articulately as Chich does here? The vocals were definitely not as powerful as those that Chich owns, for sure. ‘Dirty Soul’ is another soul classic from Chich and the Soul Messengers, the type that this band alone seem to be keeping alive. They are keeping it real, which is not only refreshing in these times but unfortunately rare, and for that reason alone they deserve some of your time. The fact that these guys pour every last bit of emotion into each and every one of these songs (and they are just that…real songs) means that if you miss out on ‘Dirty Soul’ you’re missing out on the soul album of the year.

Track Listing:-

1 Wake Up
2 I Wish You
3 Stand Proud
4 Revolutionaries
5 (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't
6 Who Are You
7 Call It Stormy Monday

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/chichmusic
https://twitter.com/chichmusic

Label Links:-

https://twitter.com/ChichMusic
http://www.chichmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/chichmusic

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