In The Lost Souls’ six track EP “The Spirit of ’65” the band members act as self-proclaimed séances, channeling the music of that bygone era but not letting it reach your ears before adding their own bewitching touch to the material. Albums like these set out to prove the universal truth that good music is good no matter where or when it comes from.
Compared to the original versions, the main differences are that The Lost Souls have greater liveliness in the drumming and the echo-heavy vocal effects. Varying degrees of liberties are taken with songs so some, like “You’ll Never be Mine”, stick to the classic ‘60s formula. Other versions deviate more, such as “Calm Me Down” which breaks new ground with the addition of ringing chords and a groovier tempo. The addition of prominent organ parts make up a complete package and galvanise The Lost Souls’ signature sound.
It’s hard to know whether a ‘60s rock band in 2016 is being trendy or anti-pop but regardless, the formula that so many before them have struggled to concoct successfully works well for The Lost Souls. Nostalgia will undoubtedly creep in while you’re listening to “The Spirit of ’65” but it doesn’t feel like a novelty album because the delivery is sincere. It’s the ‘60s, but with a few upgrades. Above all it’s a risky direction that reaps many rewards. What I look forward to most is hearing original material from The Lost Souls, especially if they could draw inspiration from their own modern lives and send them all the way back for a sizzling ‘60s revamp.
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Listen to “Spirit of ’65” below.
