Soul Fanfare #3 by The Mandatory Eight - ATA Records [ATA014] FLAC download included with physical items

Soul Fanfare #3

The Mandatory Eight

A 2 track funk single (6m 23s) — released April 26th 2019 on ATA Records

#soul #funk

The Mandatory Eight first raised their horns on ATA's funk soul and afro rarities compilation with a banger of an R&B cut "Suckerpunch", a follow up to which has been long awaited and heavily called for. ATA have dug deep in the archives to unearth two dance-tempo 45 killers to placate the calls until studio time is allotted to the band for a debut album.

The band's sound and ideology definitely lies in the passionate end of the less refined eclectic soul. Feel over precision, passion over execution, soul-on-a-budget hits that leave you feeling that with a little bit of dedication and determination we could all cut a 45.

From the opening drum pick up of "Soul Fanfare #3" it is clear that The Mandatory 8 are here to make you move. With proud horn lines reminiscent of something that you might find in the Stax vaults, Soul Fanfare definitely takes it's lead from backing bands such as the Barkays and the funkier side of Booker T and the MGs. One can imagine that this was definitely a set opener for the group, guaranteed to put foot to floor. Guitar and bass have a care free movement and feel, conjuring up tones of late 60's summer soul hits.

The B-side "Turn It Out" has a darker, moodier feel to the previous side. Still a dance floor filling groove, the band take a direction more similar to below the radar funk outfits such as Amnesty or LA carnival. Biting minor horn lines set the tone backed by a bubbling bed of congas, rhythm guitar, unruly bass and drums which don't dip below boiling for the duration. Turn it out features a manzarek-esque farfisa organ solo which sets the sonic tone of a band without funds but with plenty of soul in the bank.

Both sides will reflect well for different moods on the same dance floor.

Pleasantly reminds me of Young-Holt Unlimited. - Keb Darge BBE

This 45 takes you down the road with a familiar sound; beautiful horns, funky drummers, and organ for days. - amison “DJ Prestige” Harvey Fleamarket Funk

Armed with this essential DJ tool that's firing an all cylinders, The Mandatory Eight make it easy for DJ's to fill the floor time and time again. - Baz Hickey 45 Live

The Mandatory Eight may draw inspiration from classic backing-bands like the Barkays, but they deserve a spot at centre-stage. - Michael Elves Reductive-Reviews

Excellent release, love both sides! - Simon Hodge Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show bbc6 music

Soul perfection! Another killer from the ATA crew. - Aly Gillani First Word Records

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