The lightning strike moment for ‘Love, Death & In Between’ came via Memphis. “In 2019, I attended a sermon by Al Green at his own church, and it was a life-changing experience, musically,” Pablo remembers. In May 2022, they went to Kerwax, an analogue studio in the village of Loguivy-Plougras in Brittany. “We thought, let’s go on an adventure,” he says. Located in Northwestern France and surrounded by forests, they retreated to the residential studio for two weeks, engulfed in vintage recording equipment from the 1940s to the 1970s. Recording live to tape, with no overdubs, brothers Pablo (guitar/vocals) and Luka van de Poel (drums/vocals) alongside Robin Piso (Hammond/Wurlitzer) were joined by a host of friends for the recording. The themes on the album were partly inspired by novels from 20th-century American authors, particularly John Steinbeck’s Tortilla Flat. “There is a quote from him, ‘The good story lay in half-told things which must be filled in out of the hearer’s own experience,’ and that was something I really wanted to do with lyrics on this record.” At the same time, the band was diving deep into old soul and R&B records – Sam Cooke, The Impressions, The Coasters, The Clovers, Ray Charles and Little Richard, as well as a heavy dose of gospel – The Soul Stirrers, Al Green and early records by The Staple Singers. “Counterfeit Love,” wears its heart on its sleeve, whereas the 16-minute “Rosita” shows their progression. “How I want to write now, is more reflected in songs like this,” he says. “I wanted those lyrics to feel like a story, but also a journey within itself.” “Heart Stopping Kinda Show” is “how I see life,” he adds. “Life is the heart-stopping kinda show. I was writing with Tortilla Flat in mind. These characters are not constantly overthinking things; they live, drink wine, and have these beautiful moments. They are doing the ultimate living. In the song, I wanted to describe the things in life that are beautiful.” “Will o’ the Wisp” has a seductive darkness, whilst “Night Train,” “Message for my Baby”, and “Wontcha Wontcha” are joyous roof-raisers. |