The Quantic Soul Orchestra

This is music that smells like old vinyl and feels like a crowded basement club in 1972. It is built on a foundation of 'heavy' funk: drums that snap with a dry, wooden crack and basslines that lock into a deep, physical pocket. There is a palpable sense of air in the recordings, a rejection of digital polish in favor of the beautiful imperfections that happen when talented musicians play together in a room. It is warm, analog, and deeply rhythmic.

What sets this project apart is Will Holland's commitment to the 'no samples' rule. While his other work as Quantic embraces electronic production, the Soul Orchestra is a purist's playground. You can hear the bleed between microphones and the grit of the tape machine. The addition of Alice Russell's powerhouse vocals brings a classic soul gravity to the tracks, turning instrumental workouts into timeless anthems that feel discovered rather than manufactured.

Start with 'Pushin' On' for the ultimate introduction to their sound. It captures the peak of their collaboration with Alice Russell and features a horn section that could knock a door off its hinges. From there, move to 'Tropidélico' to hear how they began weaving Latin and Cumbia influences into their heavy funk framework, proving that 'raw' doesn't have to mean 'simple'.