The small but perfectly formed boutique label, LAST BASTION, has just announced the upcoming release of a new 45 offering two stonking, in-demand tracks from Australian soul and funk band DOJO CUTS. Serious collectors will know the band from their past successes and they’ll also know that in fiery, feisty lead singer, ROXIE RAY they possesses a real powerhouse!
The new disc’s putative A side is a haunting and atmospheric ‘Ain’t GotNo Reason’ – a tune that’s perfect for Ms Ray’s unique, soulful delivery. Between them, band and singer create a haunting, insistent groove that builds and builds. On the flip is a cover of a certain Stevie Wonder’s ‘Uptight’ and like all decent covers this is totally different to the familiar original. Sure, there’s the pounding, Northern soul flavoured beats but there’s a rough-hewn, garage flavour to proceedings that’s a million miles from the sound of the famed Detroit snake pit. Again, dear old Roxie turns in a very particular performance. We’re told that Dojo Cuts obtain their very special sound by using Grampian dynamic microphones and Goldentone amps – the very same that would have been used by soul artistes in recording studios in the 1960s. So there you go!
By the way, ‘Ain’t Got No Reason’ is previously unreleased while ‘Uptight’ was previously available on a 2009 album which now commands in excess of £400 – that’s if you can find one!
We believe that ‘Ain’t Got No Reason’/ Uptight’ will be Last Bastion’s fourth limited edition 45 release – each one proffering a different but unforgettable groove. The three previous singles have all sold out and this Dojo Cuts 7” is bound to follow suit. Learn more @ https://shop.detourrecords.co.uk/epages/es785745.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es785745/Products/LB04
