On their latest album, Beat Of Our Own Drum, Chicago’s own JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound dish out post-punky neo-soul that’s as manic and noisy as it is soulful and grooving. Brooks’ vocals are amazing and can be either sweet or incendiary depending on what’s called for. His band features guitarist Billy Bungeroth, drummer Kevin Marks, and bassist Ben Taylor and they certainly know how to wail. These songs are edgy but also full of classic soul vibes and that’s what makes JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound so unique. They aren’t simply a throwback group (but rather) they’ve got a wholly modern take on the genre. In addition to their fantastic full-length, the band also has a few vinyl singles (one of which includes a rousing, hip-shaking cover of Wilco’s “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”). Go get up and dance because this band knows how to bring it. Mark my words, Beat Of Our Own Drum is one of the year’s best.
MP3:
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Baltimore Is The New Brooklyn
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (Wilco Cover)
