George HaffendenForming in 2003 to release the hit single ‘This Journey In’, The Rebirth have been one of the new pioneers in the neo-soul movement. Now, on their latest release – what the band calls a ‘quasi-concept’ album – their updated retro soul sound is for all to hear on Being Thru the Eyes of a Child.
The introducing prelude to the album features some wonderful harmonies opening the album up with style and finesse, setting up a neo-soul vibe that the band runs with throughout the rest of the album. The first full-length song on the album, ‘This is Coming To?’, is a prime piece of jazz-funk: it possesses a sublime groove and great vocal arrangement that opens up the album with style. Patrick Bailey’s guitar on this track is a delight to hear, as is Baskerville Jones’ lead vocal; the LA based vocalist possesses a brilliant voice that suits the groove set down by the band well.
‘Wasteland’ brings the funk up – Daniel Sheef’s bass, along with Nicki Campbell’s percussion and Chris Taylor’s drums lay down a seductive groove that you can’t help but foot-tap along to. Indeed, ‘Wasteland’ is one of the standout tracks on Being Thru.
‘By Design’ ramps up the tempo massively with its percussion laced dance beat, one that the re-mixers and re-editors will no doubt have plenty of fun with. Again, Sheef’s bass is incredibly funky, although sometimes it feels lost in the mix, overpowered by the synths and keys. That said the track finds Jones demonstrating her vocal range, and the ending features a classic disco style percussion breakdown which is nothing short of an absolute pleasure to hear.
‘Catepillar’ is another standout track; it’s an instrumental that is firmly rooted in the eighties groove genre with its nice synth work, but still has that neo-soul vibe running right through it. The synth work is incredible and worth listening to for that alone. ‘Samurai’ meanwhile is another slab of funky goodness, it has a hip-hop soul feel to it; Bailey’s guitar drives the track, backed by the percussion and drum duo of Campbell and Taylor.
The final song on the album is the best on the entire album. ‘Surrender the Pretender’ is a superb ballad showcasing Jones’ vocals brilliantly. It’s simply stunning, well-produced, and ends this excellent album of on a high note. The Rebirth have delivered a fine album with Being Thru The Eyes of a Child and we wish them all the success with it.