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When Thee Sacred Souls first broke onto the scene with their 2022 self-titled debut, they were hailed as a soulful revelation, a band whose smooth grooves and nostalgic melodies drew comparisons to the golden age of Motown and Stax. Now, with their sophomore album “Got A Story To Tell”, they’ve proven they’re no flash in the pan. This San Diego trio delivers 12 tracks of pure soul that not only build on their initial success but push their sound into darker, more introspective territory.

This record is the product of a band forged on the road, having spent the past two years touring North America and Europe. Frontman Josh Lane, drummer/guitarist Alejandro Garcia, and bassist Salvador Samano have been stress-tested by the challenges of life in constant motion, and you can hear that hard-earned cohesion in every note. As Garcia puts it, “Got A Story To Tell” is a “darker, more mature record,” a reflection of the personal struggles and growth each band member has experienced along the way. Yet, it’s not a road-weary record; it’s a testament to the strength of their bond and a celebration of the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Opening with “Lucid Girl,” the lead single, Thee Sacred Souls immediately set the tone with a track that both grooves and soars. Written on a quiet Christmas morning, it’s a story of female independence and empowerment, capturing the spirit of artists like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Lane’s vocals are tender yet commanding, perfectly complemented by Garcia’s rugged instrumental foundation. The track’s bass-heavy intro and stutter-step drum patterns signal the arrival of a band that’s grown more confident in their own skin.

The middle of the album is where the depth of “Got A Story To Tell” really unfolds. “My Heart Is Drowning,” a standout ballad, draws heavily on the lush, melancholic rhythms of Jamaican rocksteady, while also evoking the heartbreak and longing of 1960s girl-group pop. Lane’s guilt-ridden lyrics, lamenting the loss of a lover he’s hurt, float over a spectral slow tempo that creates an exquisite tension between regret and beauty. The band’s affection for musical history is on full display here, with the ghost of Mary Wells lingering in the soft, ethereal backing vocals.

Another highlight is “On My Mind,” where the band explores rhythmic complexity and lyrical introspection, heavily inspired by Brazilian legend Arthur Verocai. Lane sings about life’s emotional dualities—the good and bad together—and in doing so delivers one of the most vulnerable and nuanced performances of his career. The track’s breezy arrangement belies its deeper subject matter, a hallmark of the band’s ability to weave emotional intricacies into deceptively simple songs.

Producer Gabriel Roth (aka Bosco Mann) deserves his own accolades for the album’s rich yet restrained production. Recorded at Penrose Recorders in Riverside, California, Roth’s minimalist approach allows the raw emotion and craftsmanship of Thee Sacred Souls to shine. There’s a timeless quality to the record, owing to the use of analog equipment and a keen understanding of soul’s history. Roth’s encyclopedic knowledge of classic soul and R&B acts, from the Delfonics to the Fabulous Performers, imbues “Got A Story To Tell” with a sense of authenticity that’s often missing in today’s music landscape.

The album’s final track, “I’m So Glad I Found You, Baby,” brings the journey full circle, offering a heartfelt conclusion to the emotional rollercoaster the album takes you on. It’s a warm, reassuring embrace after all the heartache and turmoil, the perfect soundtrack to the feeling of returning home after a long and winding journey.

In “Got A Story To Tell”, Thee Sacred Souls have crafted not just an album but an experience—one that takes listeners through the highs and lows of life, ultimately leaving them with a sense of hope. It’s not a concept album in the traditional sense, but the emotional arc is palpable, as the band weaves together stories of heartbreak, resilience, and redemption with grace and soul.

“Got A Story To Tell” proves they have the depth and staying power to be more than just the flavor of the month. This album cements their place as one of the most vital forces in contemporary soul music.