One of the Summer’s best indie soul compilations has been Soul Unsigned’s ‘The 2011 Summer Sessions’; and one of that album’s best cuts is ‘Betcha Didn’t Know’ from E.R.I.C. The abbreviation stands for “Extra Rich In Class” and the name’s the performing alter ego of New York based soul man ERIC HARRIS. ERIC has always maintained a soft spot for the soul sounds of the 80s and it’s no coincidence that commentators and fans alike have noticed similarities between the infectious and insistent ‘Betcha Didn’t Know’ and COLONEL ABRAMS’ ‘Trapped’.
The good news for those who enjoyed ‘Betcha Didn’t Know’ and indeed for anyone who craves 80s soul with a modern twist is that E.R.I.C. has just released a four track EP. The lead cut is the aforementioned ‘Betcha’ but the set boasts two more urgent dancers – ‘Crazy Love’ and ‘Groove’ whose title sums it all up perfectly… shades of WILL DOWNING about his one.
The EP is completed with the lush ballad, ‘Wedding Day’… and yes, you’re right – Mr. HARRIS is clearly aiming straight at the lucrative wedding song market. He deserves to succeed. The cut is spot on for that magical moment … romantic but not overly sentimental. The EP is currently available via all the usual internet download outlets.
