THE SOLUTION – Communicate! (Wild Kingdom)

We have been impatiently waiting for the soul project by Scott Morgan, Detroit’s legendary musician (Rationals and, above all, Sonic’s Rendezvous Band) with Nick Royale, the Hellacopters’ singer and guitar-player. The pair had already worked together, and Nick Royale never hid his appreciation for the American singer, who was invited to join The Hellacopters onstage during their first US tour. At that time Sub Pop also released a single (“Slow Down Take A Look' b/w "16 With A Bullet”) by Morgan and the Hellacopters and it an interesting partnership. Nick then returned the favour, playing on Scott’s The Hydromatics first album. At that point, they said goodbye to each other but left the doors open for future projects.

So when they got some free time they started working on this great soul album with a line-up that included a four member female vocal chorus and a horn section. Originally named Soulmover, the band then became The Solution and found a label deal with Sweden's Wild Kingdom.

This long wait has not been a disappointment: “Communicate!” is a superb soul and R&B album, full of great songs, brilliant arrangements and Scott Morgan’s "black" voice as a trait d’union. It’s an old-fashioned record, in the best meaning: twelve tracks that show a burning passion and ooze out with sexy atmosphere from every single note, and some great R&B explosions.

The vocal mix, the precious work of organ and horns, incredible guitar sound and Morgan’s voice represent the main elements of an album which finds its best moments in “I Have To Quit You”, “My Mojo Ain’t Workin’ No More”, “Would You Change Your Mind”, “End of The Day”, “Soulmover”, and covers of Tony Joe White’s “Widow Wemberly” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Must Be Love Coming Down”. It’s just an extraordinary record that could have made a great release in the best traditions of the Stax or Motown catalogues. - ROBERTO CALABRÒ