The Magnificent Tape Band is made up of ATA Records founders Neil Innes & Pete Williams. Their eight track lp is psychedelic soul filled with sophisticated compositions and arrangements. Top that off with the powerful soulful vocals of Sheffield born Rachel Modest and you have a recording that would fit alongside the 60s Stax recordings. The disc kicks off with “Let The Church Say”, stirring organ grinding ballad that showcases her gospel roots. “When I Saw You” is another soul ballad where Modest’s falsetto is complemented by Gareth Wilkin’s heavenly harp melodies. “Not That Kind Of Woman” is filled with sublime strings and hypnotic guitar rhythms. Modest’s falsetto will evoke images of Russell Tompkins Jr of the Stylistics but she clearly has her own sound. This is a tremendous debut and a must have for fans of classic soul.
