Underrated Artists: Souldies Musical Group Thee Sacred Souls
With a magical blend of velvety vocals and funky beats, Thee Sacred Souls channel the sweet sounds of the late ‘60s and ‘70s Motown hit-makers.
Classic feel-good soul music is making a comeback.
From swoon-worthy ballads to toe-tapping jives, Thee Sacred Souls encompass the texture and poise of their Motown predecessors while also bringing a fresh take to the mainstream musical genre. The musical group’s warm, intimate music is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Sam Cooke.
Hailing from San Diego, Thee Sacred Souls is a talented trio comprising drummer Alex Garcia, bassist Sal Samano, and singer Josh Lane. Early club appearances by the sweet soul band led to a record deal with renowned label Daptone, which launched its imprint Primrose Records right before the pandemic hit, including a track on its inaugural EP by the San Diego-based group.
Quickly rising to fame, it only took a year for Thee Sacred Souls to receive over ten million streams as well as recognition from Billboard, Rolling Stone, and KCRW, according to the musical group’s website. R&B music lovers enchanted by Thee Sacred Souls are in good company. Timbaland, The Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., and Princess Nokia are among the initial fans of the modern soul band as their music career continues to flourish.
Let’s hit rewind and talk about how this sweet soul group got its start.
A Fresh Take on Sweet Soul Music
Musicians Sal Samano and Alex Garcia are credited as the ones who started the band, but it wasn’t until they discovered their lead vocalist Josh Lane through Instagram that it became the stellar soul group that it is today.
Garcia describes the artists’ collaboration process as “organic” and that “things just seem to happen naturally” when the trio is making music, according to Thee Sacred Souls’ website. Together, the dynamic trio uniquely assembles an enchanting soundscape combining multiple musical styles from various cultures, such as Detroit, Chicano and even Panamanian soul.
The magnetic R&B trio has also performed on several national television programs, including Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and CBS Saturday Morning.
The San Diego-based group released their Northern Soul-inspired number, “Running Away,” near the end of March, which is an upbeat tune that perfectly captures the carefree yet amorous energy of springtime. Josh Lane's dulcet and tender tones are complemented by the swift beats played by bassist Sal Samano and drummer Alex Garcia. Bright and bold, “Running Away” is comparable to R&B vocal group Archie Bell & The Drells’ megahit, “Tighten Up.”
As the warmer weather ushers in new beginnings, it’s also the perfect time to immerse yourself in Thee Sacred Soul’s other sensuous songs like "Can I Call You Rose?" This passionate ballad is arguably as romantic as The Temptations hit, "My Girl." And it’s hard to resist the urge to sway to this skin-tingling melody with its pure, sentimental sound. Josh Lane’s vocals are smooth as the legendary Al Green, delivering a heavenly lilt that merits a newlywed's daydream, a cherished croon to dance to on their wedding day. This silky ballad feels like a hidden treasure emerging from the past, similar to the timeless records playing on easygoing radio stations.
With their dreamy melodies, poetic phrases, and carefree spirit, Thee Sacred Souls' nostalgic musical masterpieces are as passionate as the Motown tunes that formerly dominated the music charts. As their music tantalizes the senses, it taps into the enduring stories depicted in golden oldies, grasping the natural highs of falling in love and the gut-wrenching lows of heartbreak. These universal themes, written with the most simple and clear lyrics, come across as a genuine connection that flows freely given their musical prowess and vintage flair. I may be partial given my love of old-school music, but this level of sophistication is vastly underrated.
Other noteworthy tracks by Thee Sacred Souls to add to your playlist include "Love Is The Way," "Easier Said Than Done," and "Lady Love." But there’s no harm in listening to the rest of their discography while you are exploring their immaculate musical selection.
Don’t Sleep on Thee Sacred Souls
According to radio station KCRW, "Thee Sacred Souls have garnered quite the reputation for their rapturous live shows, drawing big, multi-generational crowds."
Although the band has yet to become a household name like Silk Sonic, the gifted trio’s ability to match the quality and rawness of quintessential funk and soul music is an outstanding accomplishment. Simply put, as someone who seeks greatly gifted but lesser-known musical artists, Thee Sacred Souls have a promising future ahead of them.
It’s only a matter of time before nostalgic R&B fans jump back on the fast-moving soul train to get a taste of Thee Sacred Souls.
Interested in catching Thee Sacred Souls in concert? Learn more about their upcoming tour dates. Keep up with the sweet soul band’s latest news by visiting their website and following them on Instagram.