It is quite the challenge to pick fault with China Soul. Even from her melodramatic name you’re forced to let out a resounding, aching sigh. Not only that, but she’s the daughter of Starsky and Hutch star David Soul – what’s not to like?
Nothing, quite frankly. From the first fizzing verses on her Willy Mason-a-like 'Cold', China Soul delights. The Florida/California native emotes feeling after heartfelt feeling until making you jump out of your seat with jazz-laden number 'What My Baby Don’t Know' and continues to drag you along for the next 45 minutes.
You want reggae beats? Sea shanties? Sweeping, lonely heartbreak? Joyous pop? China Soul has all this and a boat-load more. Title track 'Secrets and Words' gets those motown-loving knees a-knocking, while 'Castles' is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of cider and an outdoor boogie. Shortly after such a melee of bopping, jiving and country permeating through the middle of the long player, Soul sends you shuddering back down again with 'Into The White'; a slow, bubbling descent that somehow elates with woe.
Looking at Ms Soul’s credentials, it seems she has almost unfairly fallen on her feet. Hutch is her dad, she co-writes her debut album with Blockhead Chaz Jankel and she’s already made it to Jools Holland’s Radio Two show. However, all this praise and good fortune is wholly deserved, as Soul has the keen ability to make you float one minute and excite you the next. Following stylish, a capella 'Be My Husband', she still manages to send things off in true heart-warming fashion with bluesy pop ender 'Whisper'.
As a singer-songwriter, Ms Soul is certainly one to look out for. If you haven’t already run into her somehow, with any luck she’ll soon be waking you sweetly over the morning radio as you tuck into your toast and marmalade.
Stereoboard Rating: 8/10
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You want reggae beats? Sea shanties? Sweeping, lonely heartbreak? Joyous pop? China Soul has all this and a boat-load more. Title track 'Secrets and Words' gets those motown-loving knees a-knocking, while 'Castles' is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of cider and an outdoor boogie. Shortly after such a melee of bopping, jiving and country permeating through the middle of the long player, Soul sends you shuddering back down again with 'Into The White'; a slow, bubbling descent that somehow elates with woe.
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