Review Centre: Soul Singers

"Hype Magazine USA Cure For Jealousy A perfectly polished storyteller in the literal sense, Dar.Ra goes for this wild swing of ‘80s dance-rock infused with edge on the stomping sweetness of “Cure For Jealousy.” The track combines a range of periods and influences, ensuring the sound works seamlessly as a cohesive, concise whole. Volume is a given; he brings it, and it is a physical sound, like the way blood rushes through the ears with the first few traces of jealousy. Looking through his track record, he’s managed to touch upon every iteration of dance and rock within the last forty years, and has done it well. Outside of the music, he’s the author of two books, which also inform the character studies that he graces with his sound. It is catchy, addictive, and liberating stuff, the sort of thing that the music world needs now – something unique, experimental yet accessible, and overflowing with ideas. Sonically, Dar.Ra’s sound draws on the revivalist traditions of DFA Records, specifically on LCD Sound-System’s earnest pleas and search for meaning. Like James Murphy, Dar.Ra does have a love for the aesthetics of just a gigantic canvas, letting the whole arrangement feel enormous. On the classic side, the insistent bass has an ESG quality, with the groove absolutely dominating. It is easy to get intoxicated by the atmosphere, and the vocals further sell this idea of breaking free from this impairment. The tautness of the groove even delves into Parliament’s most unhinged experiments, as the track sparkles with endless creativity. For all these reference points, Dar.Ra continues his fine tradition of marching to the beat of a different drummer, going for this life-affirming, soulful stance. The stormy mix of keyboards and the tight rhythm section work their magic. Before his voice enters the equation, the mood is already set. When he takes center stage, the song transforms into an inner turmoil. He’s conflicted, and the verses cascade downwards reflecting exactly that. It stuns, and the track’s length makes the atmosphere almost psychedelic. Of course, this is what good dance music is meant to embody – endless expanses, endless possibilities. There is a reason so many dance-floors adhere to that sixto-seven-minute mark, even exceeding it when necessary. The band's interplay feels spirited, as if possessed, and this is what carries it all the way to the finale: a contemplative commotion. “Cure For Jealousy” shows that Dar.Ra is what music needs right now – a sound that draws and builds on the past while pointing a way forward, in a purely hedonistic, funk/dance/punk flavour."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the moment we heard the choir at a wedding fair we knew we needed them at our wedding, especially when they started performing my favourite wedding song (September by Earth, Wind and Fire). The correspondence with Laura was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. The choir performed outside at our wedding reception which was just perfect, setting the tone for the party atmosphere we wanted to create throughout the day. The guys have incredible voices and everyone said how amazing they sounded and performed the right songs on our day, including our favourites!! Thank you Sounds of Gospel for contributing towards our special day, we will definitely have you back for our next party! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nicola sang me down the aisle to a beautiful rendition of 🎼 Don't Worry, Be Happy🎤 It was more dreamy than I imagined. Additionally, she sang during our cocktail hour, and our guests had only wonderful things to say. Her touch (and voice) on the wedding truly pulled it together. We are so glad we had live music. There is nothing better for the soul than listening to beautiful live music. We are forever thankful for your time and efforts to make this day so perfect! Cheers"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My team was absolutely thrilled with the saxophonist and singer who performed during our couples cocktail hour. Their talent, professionalism, and energy were truly exceptional; they even made sure to play with the theme of the wedding. The smooth saxophone melodies combined with the soulful vocals created the perfect ambiance—relaxed, romantic, and full of charm. The guests kept commenting on how special and unique the atmosphere felt, and many shared it was one of the highlights of the day. They brought a touch of magic to the evening that they'll always remember. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Leah performed at a private birthday party event that I threw last minute for my partner. Leah was very flexible and communicative beforehand, helped provide lighting options, and willing to work with us based on our location, budget, and other needs. The performance was beautiful - Leah is an incredibly talented and lovely singer, and many of my guests were asking how to book such an amazing singer for their own future events! All in all, everything exceeded my expectations and we had the perfect event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can't put into words how fantastic Shorrel was on our big day! She was so flexible with the postponements, venue changes and booking changes we had and even on the day as weddings go with timings, Shorrel adapted to the day perfectly and even planned music for parts we hadn't even thought of. If anyone is in two minds about booking for Shorrel to sing you down the aisle, then stop questioning it and go for it. It was one of the best choices we made, she made my entrance feel so elegant. Also she loves a good boogie so if your having her dj for you make sure you call her onto the dance floor because she will join you and have so much fun! She chose some fantastic music out of our suggestions of genres and had everyone dancing until 1am! We had to be kicked out haha! Shorrel definitely played a massive part in making our day as special as it was. Thank you so much and we can't recommend you enough and can't wait to be able to hear you sing again! The new Mrs and Mrs Crozier-Pharani"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Better than our idols You only turn 65 once, that called for a party with 65 guests, excellent catering and live jazz music with a singer (Willem). We preferred the style of crooners Michael Bublé and Dennis van Aartsen, but this band was even better than our idols and exceeded our expectations; great music, super professional, with fun band members. It became a top party with compliments about the music from all guests, young and old. We look back on it with great pleasure!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Her mix was jazzy, funky, soulful and full of passion, I for one know this young lady will be going a long long way."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have booked Andre a number of times already. He's a great entertainer and has an excellent repertoire consisting of numerous oldies and also a number of German classics. Our customers love him & his music as well as his interaction with the audience. You cannot go wrong with Andre. Klaus Oster "The German" in Chartwell."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" A fantastic entertainer. Your vocals outmatch most anyone around..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Collectives Gospel Choir are breathtakingly beautiful singers. We were lucky enough to hear them whilst visiting a potential wedding venue and knew we had to have them when we heard them. Since booking them for our wedding we have also been to see them at their Christmas show which did not disappoint! So many people at our wedding commented on how beautiful their singing was and said how special it made it. We also gave them quite a unique song choice and they were amazing at it! I wouldn’t hesitate to book them again. Voices of angels"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much to you and your fellow choir members. It was so lovely to have you all and the guest feedback for you guys was amazing, although I feel short changed and therefore wish I could’ve been a guest, so I could’ve heard you before the wedding too!! You guys were amazing, our friends have filmed parts of the wedding as you were singing, of which Phil and I keep listening to over and over again. The Joker and the Queen was particularly amazing, thank you for learning that and putting your own take on it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What an exciting band, loud and 100% live....great musicianship, great vocals, no backing tracks, just high energy classic music, served fresh as you watch it. This is what going to see a live band used to be all about..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lowell was fantastic, played great Frank Sinatra Style Hits, and other Pop Ballroom/ Latin Music. Our guests loved him! Lowell and his team were incredibly easy to work with and we will have them at future events. "

Reply by Lowell Oakley
Dakota, Thank you and Misha for having me at the event! You have such a great community of dancers and I'm very grateful you invited me to be a part of the evening! Until next time, Lowell

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the choir for the arrival of our guests and our ceremony music for our wedding in December. Having seen them perform at another wedding venue on Instagram we were instantly captivated with how amazing they were. Laura was wonderful to book with throughout and we were lucky enough to see them at a wedding fair in the summer after we had booked. On our wedding day all our guests commented how amazing they were and they just added an extra special touch. I am really looking forward to seeing the choir perform again at an event. The ceremony was an absolute highlight of the day. Your talent is unbelievable thank you so much xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: