SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS – FLOWERS

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS
FLOWERS
DEAD OCEANS

If you love vintage disco, funk, R&B, and soul, Durand Jones & The Indications have you covered. Since their 2016 self-titled debut album, they have garnered a massive following and received overwhelmingly positive reviews for their throwback tunes with a modern twist. The band, which consists of Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer, and Blake Rhein, return with Flowers, their first album since 2021’s Private Space.

With Flowers, Durand Jones & The Indications deliver plenty of slow, splendidly groovy R&B/soul songs with a hint of disco. In “Paradise”, they channel their inner Stevie Wonder. This tune is super soothing with very immersive instrumentation. Listeners will be undoubtedly moving along to this track. Meanwhile, “If Not For Love” features funky jams, splendid rhythms, and kinetic energy.

Jones’ vocals are a powerhouse on this album. In “Without You”, Jones shows off his magical falsetto. His range on this track is unbelievable. With “Been So Long”, Jones, Frazer, and Rhein sing in perfect unison, demonstrating just how good of a team they are. Lastly, with “Flower Moon”, Jones’ vocals are the main driving force for why it is such a danceable song.

The beautifully sunny “Lovers’ Holiday” is one of the best tracks from the record. It takes you on a gorgeous journey with its endearingly warm retro sounds, a smooth, laid-back atmosphere, bright production, and a stunningly vibrant call-and-response section. Another standout is the heartbreakingly melancholic yet triumphantly uplifting “Really Wanna Be With You”. Durand Jones & The Indications crafted a song that is equally somber and comforting. Lyrically, the song is devastating, sorrowful, and vulnerable, as Jones wrote it about an ex whom he thought was a soulmate. However, the soaring, upbeat instrumentation has a joyfulness to it. Similarly, Jones’ lovely vocals are full of heartfelt passion.

Overall, Flowers is a solid album, even if it might not quite reach the same level as their previous record, Private Space.

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