Record Review - The Revelations feat. Tre Williams: The Bleeding Edge

Finally, an LP from the band that dropped last year’s acclaimed EP, Deep Soul. Southern soul singer/songwriters Rell and Tré Williams create a roof-raising soul album less contrived than their throwback counterparts. More killer bar band with terrific leads than a spit-shined industry act, the NYC-based Revelations boast one of the best brass sections north of the Mason-Dixon. Deep Soul owners looking for unreleased material on producer Bob Perry’s 15-track set will enjoy Rell’s greasy, slow drag of Carole King’s “It’s Too Late,” Williams’ ripping version of Latimore’s “Let’s Straighten It Out,” or the oh-you-dirty-dog single “How Do I Tell Him.” A growling baritone frontman, organic instrumentation and timeless tunes make the oddly titled project a keeper. Only a missing standout jam keeps this release shy of classic status. We’ll see if more good things come to soul fans who wait. (Decision Records/Traffic Entertainment) 4 stars out of 5