One-time lead singer with the New York based Repercussions group (she recorded two albums with them), Nicole Willis now finds herself teaming up with Helsinki based nu-funk group The Soul Investigators to create an exceptional album. Willis has the ideal voice to compliment the group’s sound – their attention to detail in creating that authentic R&B sound is amazing – resulting in a recording which sounds like it could’ve come from thirty or fourty years ago if you didn’t know better . “If This Ain’t Love (Don’t Know What Is)” comes on like a lost Northern Soul obscurity. It’s already enjoyed national chart success in Finland when it was released as a single, surely a future classic. “Blues Downtown” rocks like no other for what is essentially a blues tune, rollicking organ licks and fuzzed guitar driving the groove along, whilst “My Four Leaf Clover” is just perfect soul. There truly isn’t a bad song on the album, and whilst comparisons with the likes of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings are tempting, in truth, this album has a character all it’s own. Will be one of the highlights of 2006, no question.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: DARREN WALL