
We got to know of MS1 PROJECT back in 2017 via two classy Brit soul singles…. ‘The Summer Song’ and the lovely old school flavoured ‘Sugar Me Sugar You’. We learned that the band consisted of two UK brothers … MIKE HARRISON (aka DJ Blue) and session musician GEORGE HARRISON and that “MS1” stood for “Music Street One”. The MS1 boys then went on to work with Shaila Prospere on her ‘Rise’ winner.
The band’s own debut album, ‘Change’ was released in November 2019. Amongst the big tunes were ‘Steal A Kiss’ (which featured old pal Shaila Prospere) and ‘Heavenly’. In 2021 the Harrison brothers released their second album, ‘Remedy For The Mind, Part 1’ – another set of quality Brit soul with plenty of variety.
That LP’s title indicated that there was to be more “remedies for the mind” and, lo and behold, ‘Remedy For The Mind, Part 2’ is almost with us! The album wins a Bandcamp release on 19th July with full release, August 9th.
Special sneak previews reveal that this part 2 carries on where part 1 left off. Like that first set, this new 11 tracker (there are “extras” on the Bandcamp version) offers bags and bags of variety, it features plenty of talented guests and delivers a very special kind of contemporary Brit soul.
The album opens in fine style with ‘It’s On’ – an “up” and optimistic cut with vocals from J Ray. Its bright and brassy and sets the tone for what’s to come. The closing track is a little more gentle – ‘Thank U’ (with vocals from Alex James). Using samples from Nature Divine’s ‘I Just Can’t Control Myself’, it ends the album as soulfully as ‘It’s On’ kicked things off.
In between there’s all kinds of everything – held together by the Harrisons’ knowledge, experience and love for the soul genre. Amongst the many highlights are the romantic ‘Love’s Serenade’ which is a duet between DJB and Daneik Ashley with some sensual sax work from Artem Jazz, the ballad ‘Sunlight’ where the vocalist is rising Philly soulstress Toy Taha and the lite funky ‘Feel It’. That one features Seta at the mic and it will keep the dancers happy – though it’s not too frantic! The album’s title track (vocals from Tygressa and DJB) mines a similar groove, though with a jazzy undertow. And that’s the album’s calling card – sophisticated but never bland, grown-up, multi-faceted, quality Brit soul. Recommended!!!