“If you can’t do this, get out of the business!” David Letterman quipped after The Suffers appeared on the Late Show.

Letterman was onto something, as the Houston outfit aren’t just another tiresomely generic soul collective. Instead, the band – who have steeped themselves in the musical traditions of the American south – are very much the real deal.

Posessing a unique and powerful voice, singer Kam Franklin brilliantly showcases her range throughout this collection of smart and sassy soul belters. The band are no slouches musically either, delivering the material with panache and showing a real flair for pop melodies. Propelled by a successful crowd-funding campaign rather than a conventional record label contract, with a bit of luck, The Suffers will soon be vying for the spotlight alongside Alabama Shakes.

Key Track: ‘Gwan’

7/10

Out Now