The Stepkids Stones Throw***

The Stepkids come with impressive credentials, having honed their musical chops working with Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, 50 Cent and others. Away from the session gigs, The Stepkids put on the style with a dazzling sound. Revisiting the psychedelic soul highs of the late 1960s and 1970s, The Stepkids want you to join them on the trip, and it's hard to say no when faced with the irresistible contours of a track such as Wonderfox. The trio also have the gumption to take a few unexpected left turns, with Brain Ninjaand Suburban Dreammining blissed-out harmonies and woozy synths to great effect. It's certainly been a long, long time since anyone sought to fly quite as high as Rotary Connection, one obvious precedent for what The Stepkids are doing here, and we look forward to them finding their Minnie Ripperton in due course. See thestepkidsband.com

Download tracks: Wonderfox, Suburban Dream