The press release bravely claims ‘There Is A Reason,’ is a six-pack sampler of all the fab sounds that have made them a cut above other ‘60s-inspired rock and roll enthusiasts’ and that the tracks are ‘performed with the energy and flair to make them 21st-century fresh and exciting’.

Disappointingly, I can only agree with the fact that it has six tracks. I was expecting great things, as Hidden Volume Records are consistently a go-to label having released singles by bands such as the excellent The Missing Souls.

I haven’t been acquainted with this band previously. The overall sound of the E.P. is over-produced. I can’t even contemplate giving it a second listen. Track four ‘You Look Unwell’, is exactly how I feel after I’ve heard the sound of that guitar solo. I very rarely; and don't like to, give negative reviews.  The band are obviously very competent musicians, but these six tracks have sadly left me cold. 

It’s 60’s influenced beat(les)-pop lite, which (for me) lacks energy, personality and passion. The sickly sweet harmonies don’t do it any favours. The band themselves, at best, even sound bored. Thankfully this E.P. is very forgettable... Release date is the 29th April 2016.

This is the 2nd single from The Missing Souls, this time on the fabulous US label Hidden Volume Records. What we have here are another two choice stompers from one of the hottest garage bands around at the moment; and it's a well earned title. ‘Gotta Have Your Lovin’' originally by Oscar & The Majestics is a monumental ‘60s garage classic. I mean, it really is. When I first heard The Missing Souls perform this cover, in a small French bistro as part of the 2015 Cosmic Trip Festival, I was gobsmacked for two reasons; 1) their choice of covers and 2) at the exuberance and intensity with which they performed. It was a pure and unadulterated celebration of the more obscure ‘60s garage classics. But be warned, don’t let the fact that these are covers distract you. These are their versions thereof, and they OWN it. The sound is live, raw, and captures the energy and urgency of the original, maybe even supersedes it. Boogaloo.

Flipside 'You Ain’t Tuff Baby' is the most. I know of a couple of versions from ‘66 by Lindy Blaskey & The Lavells, and The Uniques but again they put their own stamp (or stomp) on this by adding some space noises - along with some cool, cool organ.  

Garage Punk is dead, long live Garage Punk! 

Available from Hidden Volume Records FIRST 100 copies sold will be on 'milky clear' vinyl and include a hot Missing Souls mini poster! Served up in a heavy duty Stoughton tip-on jacket designed by X10 and custom jukebox styled download card.

(COLORED VINYL IS SOLD OUT 25/1/16) 

Includes unlimited streaming of 'Got To Have Your Lovin'' via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more...