When thinking about the contributions Detroit has given the music world, Motown is usually top of mind. Hitsville U.S.A. is a special place, and the music that came from those walls still has its influence felt in many Detroit bands. This influence can be heard throughout the debut full-length from Detroit ska band, The Tellways. Blending the spirit of Motown with ska, rocksteady, and reggae, The Tellways offer up an absolute gem.
The new album, Out to the Cosmos, is jam-packed with 12 soul-heavy ska tracks that warm the soul from start to finish. While listening to the music, you’re almost transported back to the ’60s. There’s a definite vintage vibe flowing through each song, which adds to the authenticity to the style of music they perform. It helps that lead singer Rachael Stokes offers up powerful, soulful, and classic vocals that accompany the music perfectly.
Some of the tracks may sound familiar to current fans of The Tellways. They re-recorded their self-released demo album Closer to the Fire. The reinterpretations of their first batch of songs sound even better (no small feat), and flow well with the seven new tracks that begin the album.
From the opening of the timely-themed “Anxious” to the last notes of “Bow to Your Sensei,” The Tellways will capture you. The songs are catchy, and will just make you feel good when you listen to them. You may even stand up and dance a bit. The quality of the music coming from Out to the Cosmos feels like it’s from a band that have been together for decades. They’ve only been a band since 2018 though. It just doesn’t seem fair that a band this young is that good so soon, but here we are. Soulful vocals, pounding bass and drums, driving organs, and a horn line to die for. The Tellways really have it all.
Rounding out the greatest hits of traditional Caribbean styles you’ll find on the album are calypso “I Don’t Need To Tell You” and dub on “You’re Really Something.”
Final Thoughts on Out to the Cosmos by The Tellways
If you’re a fan of traditional ska music, you need to track this album down. If you close your eyes while listening, you may just think you’re listening to something from the ’60s. This isn’t a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I love the album so much.
Out to the Cosmos is a love letter that everyone who calls themselves a ska fan needs to listen to. You can purchase a limited edition orange vinyl or digital copy on bandcamp