DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS - Flowers

Fleecy, sensual and elegant, Durand Jones & The Indications' blend of soul, r&b, smooth jazz and disco has pleasantly broken free from the inevitable citationism of their early work, moving towards an increasingly personal and distinctive sound.

Their fourth album "Flowers" fits neatly into this trajectory, a project in which the musical element takes centre stage, the arrangements and instrumental work are considerably more intricate and mature, while the less impetuous tone of the lyrics hints at a rather seductive emotional intimacy.

The two singles that preceded the release of "Flowers" left little doubt as to the album's real scope. The irresistible groove of "Been So Long" and the rousing, horn-driven soul of "Flower Moon" are both superb examples of the maturity Durand Jones & The Indications have now reached.

Simplicity and naturalness are the guiding principles of these eleven songs, which play pleasingly with the past ("Really Wanna Be With You") and bask in a sunniness that contemporary soul has largely set aside, recalling bands like Stylistics, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Spinners and Chi-Lites.

The excellent "Paradise", the splendid "Lover's Holiday" and the caressing "Without You" are, in this sense, prime examples of the compositions' artisanal purity, a more than welcome sign in an era in which artificial intelligence is set to replace creativity and inspiration. "Flowers" is a convincing record: although it lacks the disco verve that marked some of the band's finest moments in the past, it's hard to sit still in front of songs like "I Need The Answer" or "If Not For Love".

Even when the band raises the stakes with the more ambitious "Rust And Steel", what prevails is an expressive fluidity (some songs were cut in a single recording session) that brings out the best in both the instrumental and vocal qualities of the American r&b outfit, never as essential and direct as on this latest record.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google

07/07/2025