London-based soul ensemble Wonder 45 was originally put together as an instrumental recording project by producer/writer Holley Gray to work with Ross Ewart (guitar), Chris Nickolls (drums) and Steve Pringle (keyboards). The project shifted up a gear by joining forces with singer/songwriters Jess Greenfield (who is one of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and has worked with Paul Weller and Rod Stewart amongst others) and Gavin Conder (who is one half of The Kondoors with Greenfield).
Greenfield and Conder add the top line vocal melodies to the songs (all a variety of band co-writes) on this impressive debut album. As one would anticipate for a soul album, matters of the heart are a focus – there’s the romance of the title track and “Round And Round”, and the drama of “Cry”. The confidence in execution compliments the smooth reassurance offered up on “Nothing’s Gonna Change” and the determined nature of “Green Light”, with the initial concept for instrumental only work represented by some virtuoso playing on “Intermission”. The album benefits from a full brass section (Paul Jordanous, Tom White, Matthew MacNaughton, Chris Rand) and percussion (Mark Claydon).
Wonder 45 are particularly impressive at full pelt on the rousing “Superman” and “Into The Fire”; “Make It Happen” (also available as a 7” vinyl single) is an energetic call for action and has been scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of lethargy.
Available on vinyl, CD and download BUY
Label: Big AC Records
Release Date: 31 MAY 2024
Poetic Justice 
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