Off The Fence
Easy Eye Sound, 2026
9/10
The British singer, songwriter and Grammy Nominee James Hunter guides his band through his always impressive soul and R&B sounds, where grit and emotion are present in spades.
“Two Birds One Stone” starts the listen with Hunter’s powerful pipes alongside Rudy Albin Petschauer’s frisky drumming, and “Let Me Out Of This Love” follows with a cozy spirit thanks to Andrew Kingslow’s charming keys and the well timed winds.
Halfway through, “Off The Fence” benefits from Myles Weeks’ animated double bass prowess that suits the frisky rhythm, while “Ain’t That A Trip” features Van Morrison for the raw and harmonic duet that’ll get your body moving.
“A Sure Thing” and “Only A Fool” exit the listen. The former is a busy and meticulous album highlight that integrates Michael Buckley and Drew Vanderwinckel’s flowing saxophones, and the latter finishes with a soft, heartfelt moment of beauty.
Hunter’s inimitable wordplay is still very much intact, and his timeless soul vision is appreciated via this 11th album that’s just as memorable as his first in ‘86.
Travels well with: Miles Kane- Sunlight In The Shadows; Memphis Slim- Memphis Slim U.S.A.