I have been banging on about records that are for the times over the last few reviews and Private Space is no exception.
One might think that 2021 needs a soundtrack from Aphex Twin, Radiohead or even Ludwig Göransson but for me, I’m, at least from a personal perspective, looking for grins and excitement. Something that is opposite AND apposite to the time that we are calling NOW!
This floor moving, ass groovin’ collection of ten bona fide floor fillers is just such a record.
Led by Aaron Frazer (drums/vocals) and Durand Jones (vocals), and rounded out by Blake Rhein (guitar), Steve Okonski (keys), and Mike Montgomery (bass), The Indications are true masters at melding revival sounds with a modern attitude.
If Love Will Work It Out doesn’t get you sock sliding on your living room floor nothing will. Its luscious hooks, baselines and choral catches reveal a darker tale, making statements on racism, brutality and attempting to push on though and rising above the insidious nature of hate.
Witchoo carries a nod to Nile Rodgers and Daft Punk in its disco feel, and The Way That I Do has more than a hint of the Wonder and Mayfield about it.
“At the end of the day, I just want people to close their eyes and forget where they are. Just the way a Stevie Wonder album does for me,” says Jones.
Just as Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings managed in bringing the sounds of the past into the collective culture, Private Space has a similar impact.
This is a record for everything. EVERYTHING. I guarantee you that slipping on this collection of Philly-Soul inspired gems will make any household chore 115% better.
Try it. Slam on Private Space, while dusting. It will be much more fun.
Get the grouting done with this in the background and your tiles will gleam like never before.
As a frustrated musician myself, as in I am frustrated that I am not a musician, this record gets me in the lesser found dance vessel of my rapidly faltering frame.
Private Space is creatively explosive and groovy as hell, if hell were to be a groovy spot.
There are, of course, two other HUGE albums this week, one from Prince and one from Billie Eilish, you’ll know a great deal about these two artists already, so please excuse me for going a little off range with this one.
Durand Jones & The Indications - Private Space is available now on Dead Oceans.
