Neil Spencer 

The Relatives: The Electric Word – review

Back by virtue of their enduring cult popularity, the Relatives' new album is a potent twist on their 70s gospel-funk, says Neil Spencer
  
  


Are you ready for the resurrection? In the 1970s the West brothers of Dallas formed the Relatives, a Staple Singers-style gospel-funk group who enjoyed modest success before their 1980 dissolution. The few singles they cut became cult items and led to their reformation and this surprising album. Produced by Spoon's Jim Eno, its 37 minutes crackle with conviction, mixing gospel vocals with tough funk rhythms and psych-rock guitar. Bad Trip and Let Your Light Shine recall Ball of Confusion-era Temptations, while the slow Speak to Me (What's Wrong With America?) still resonates after 40 years' hibernation. A welcome time warp.

 

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