Viva Soul Vinyl & CDs

Review: Brighton's ten-piece powerhouse The Soul Steppers return with a limited 7" single, teasing their forthcoming EP with two fresh cuts that showcase the full breadth of their big-band soul sound. 'Fly With You' leads the charge-a lively, brass-fuelled stepper that rides a taut groove, elevated by lush vocal harmonies and a slick rhythm section. It's the kind of track built for high-energy dancefloors and full band blowouts. On the flip, 'Slow It Down' does exactly that, easing into a sweeter tempo while retaining the group's hallmark tightness and melodic clarity. Co-written with Glenn Fallows, it leans into smoky jazz-funk with a Latin lilt, allowing the horns space to breathe and the vocals to smoulder. Both songs are penned and produced by founding members Tony Mead and Mark Treffel, whose guiding hand ensures the band's live reputation translates seamlessly to wax. A strong preview of what's to come on their upcoming 'Now Is The Time' EP.