Smoove & Turrell on top form with new album Broken Toys
Newcastle’s finest Smoove and Turrell look set to continue to rise through the ranks of British soul with the release of their new album Broken Toys.
For those who don’t know S&T, Smoove & Turrell (Jonathan Scott Watson and John Turrell) are a British modern soul act. They propelled to fame in 2009 following the release of their first album, Antique Soul, which scored them two records of the week on Radio 2 and a gig at Glastonbury and Big Chill.
You may recongise a couple of their tracks, particularly Hard Work which was used on an IKEA television advert. Other tracks have featured on primetime TV shows such as Match of the Day, Strictly Come Dancing, Splash and Coronation Street. The boys have also performed at the legendary terrace in Space Ibiza and supported soul acts Nile Rodgers and Chic in summer 2012.
Broken Toys is Smoove & Turrell’s third studio album and follows Eccentric Audio released in 2011. With its disco inspired floor stompers, pop jazz and funk numbers, the album is certainly a jump forward in terms of production and appeal.
The album features 13 new tracks including the stomping opener Have Love, an epic dance track with a 70s disco-funk feel. Long Way to Fall and I Just Want More are equally catchy with their groovy guitar riffs and funky beats.
If you’re a fan of sparkling pop classics, check out The Clown with its killer bassline and Will You Be Mine with its catchy electronic beat and old skool synth sounds.
Smoove & Turrell’s funk and northern soul roots (aka, northern funk) are evident in tracks like Lay It On Me and People Keep Talking. Always and Coming Home are also worth checking out with John Turrell on top form lyrically and vocally.
The album finishes with Now or Never, a live ballad with a beautiful piano melody and mahogany-toned vocals. A soothing end to a killer album that you can’t help but groove to.
“To say, Smoove & Turrell are the greatest modern Soul act in to emerge from the U.K would be an epic understatement!” were the words of Craig Charles of BBC6 Music. Frankly, my dear, we agree.
Broken Toys by Smoove and Turrell is available now through Jalapeno Records.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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