Float Back To You
Big Crown, 2020
8/10
The Brooklyn trio of Paul Spring, Homer Steinweiss and Joe Harrison, as Holy Hive they make quite an impression on this much anticipated debut album where plenty of soul, folk, jazz and funk ideas flow freely from their creative minds.
“Broom” gets the listen off to a soulful, percussively strong start where Spring’s falsetto shines bright and Steinweiss, who has played with Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars, handles the drum kit superbly, and “Hypnosis” continues the setting with stylish rhythm and plenty of timeless melody that often points towards the ‘70s.
Near the halfway point, the title track emits warmth as Spring hits some pretty high notes, while “Be Thou By My Side”, a Honeybus cover, offers a dreamy moment of hushed, folk inspired song craft. “Embers To Ash”, one of the best here, then finds a textured, rich place to reside with proficient dynamics between the players.
Deeper cuts bring us “Red Is The Rose”, where soft horns and playful musicianship are danceable with a modern energy on the traditional Irish folk song, and “Sophia’s Part” finishes out the listen piano heavy, as soothing sounds flow alongside a careful, sublime delivery.
Spring, Harrison, and Steinweiss have impressive resumes of their own, and together their collective skill results in an intimate, often slow burning formula that’s never short on appeal and is clearly destined for more greatness.
Travels well with: Quinn Deveaux & The Blue Beat Revue- Book Of Soul; Bassel & The Supernaturals- Smoke & Mirrors