Review

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar: Don't Have To Be (Gypsy Soul Records)

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar release a gutsy slice of thrusting retro soul in the shape of this, their new single "Don't Have To Be".

Their mission statement is simple rocking-soul music that gets under your skin and encourages your feet to move! Much like the Teskey Brothers or say, Tedeschi Trucks they have oodles of authenticity.

Martin sings with husky joy, even if she is in admonishing mode, and the bluesy swagger of the band reminds me of a turbo charged and recasting version of "Waiting For My Man" (The Velvet Underground) This will do them no harm at all... they are even using a Lou Reed type guitar! Nice!

The production is great too, a real live feel with a nod to the 60's reverb drenched era that everybody loves, hell, listening to this, it's not hard to crack a smile and a beer or two this is a lovely little taster to what will no doubt be a sizzling and refreshing album .Bring it on!
Words Emrys Baird