ALBUM REVIEW – New Street Adventure – No Hard Feelings

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New Street Adventure – No Hard Feelings
Acid Jazz Records

As Mr. Arthur Conley would probably shout out loud, at the sound of thundering snare-drums: “spotlight on New Street Adventure”, just as long as that good and evergreen sweet Soul music keeps swinging, somebody will always be out there spreading that blissful infection throughout the generations.

This particular adventure starts in Birmingham in early 2007, with Nick Corbin (vocals, guitar and main songwriter) who, disgruntled by his university experience moves to London in 2012. That was the year of the group’s release “The Big AC”, an anthem and a love song dedicated to the Soul artists of the golden era, followed by “Hangin’ On / Hangin’ Up”. Both were leading tracks of their two first EPs which acquired the status of underground smash-hits in the subterranean Soul and Mod revival scene. However, it was pretty clear from the start that Nick and his gang were about to transcend the stereotypes of a niche that felt too constraining. A couple of years later, the line-up seems to have taken its definitive and most balanced incarnation – dropping the brass section a’ la Mar-Keys and the choir – with the invaluable contribution of Ashley Hayden (bass), Billy Farr (lead guitar), Charlie Myers (keys) and Jeremy Paul (drums).

Anyone who has been following them from the beginning will be amazingly surprised by the elegant pop shift that New Street Adventure have taken since signing to Acid Jazz records. “No Hard Feelings” is a step forward towards a much broader, contemporary sound. Potentially, NSA could well stand to Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley just as The Style Council stood to the likes of Bobby Womack and Smokey Robinson, just to quote some of the people that have been influential to the band. But it’s too early for a final statement. Their debut album has been made available to the world only a few days ago, so let’s just sit back and watch.

The album has a fresh and exquisite British Pop flavour, still reminiscent of the glory days of Northern Soul, but enriched by the modern stomp of an Indie Rock Band. In a certain way there is a continuum with the likes of Ocean Colour Scene and The Milk (it is not by coincidence that Mitch Ayling produced the record), however, NSA have managed to stand out for their much more sophisticated style and song-writing. That probably makes them less accessible than their peers, but it is definitely a bonus for the most attentive listeners.

The opening track, “On Our Front Doorstep”, is a statement that sums up all the best features of this record: a funky groove, impeccably crafted arrangements and a catchy melody. Lyrically, it features a social commentary that goes straight to the point without ever resulting grim. All in all, Rhythm & Blues has always been some kind of ritual to exorcise the demons of human nature and of society to a dance-party beat. The same vibes can be heard in the Welleresque “Lucky Lady” and in the most “Indie” of the tracks, “Be Somebody”, probably the highest pop moments of the record. The frenetic stomp alternates with slower and hyper-romantic ballads like “Foolish Once More” and “Say You Are Lonely”, perfect soundtracks for a night club of the Lower East Side in the 70s. The title track and “Hunted” are more sophisticated compositions, which stand out for their balance of pop simplicity and musical complexity. One of the greatest highlights probably arrives at the very end, with a brand new epic version of “The Big AC”, which probably remains the band’s manifesto.

With “No Hard Feelings”, New Street Adventure have managed to emancipate themselves from the clichés of revival, creating a sound that will still appeal to the old-school soul aficionados but should be able to please or even thrill anyone who is into a good leek and an honest and sincere pop tune. A promising debut.

Miles Prestia