For those unaware, originally released in 1968 on the budget Saga label, The Soul of The Matter has become a genuine cult favorite of the British late-sixties soul-pop underground. Long overlooked and pressed in modest quantities, the album quietly built a reputation among collectors as one of those rare low-budget releases where the artistry far outweighed the resources behind it.

Fronted by the charismatic Herbie Hunte, whose warm and expressive vocals drive the record throughout, the Royalists blend blue-eyed soul, post-beat pop, light psychedelia and baroque flourishes into a sound both sincere and distinctive. From the infectious opener Baby I Love You to the ambitious Royal Suite and the atmospheric instrumental standout Lost Voyage, the album showcases a band making inspired music with heart, energy and imagination.

Despite its humble origins, The Soul of The Matter stands today as a rediscovered gem - passed between collectors and crate-diggers for decades. Now lovingly reissued by Morgan Blue Town, this edition finally gives the album the attention and presentation it deserves.

1. Baby I Love You (02:46)
2. Dirty Old Town (03:55)
3. Please Forgive (02:24)
4. A Day In The Life Of Julie (03:26)
5. Forever Yours (03:42)
6. Flowers All Surrounding (02:04)
7. Lost Voyage (04:36)
8. Royal Suite (03:57)
9. Try To Find Me (02:27)
10. Too Blind To See (02:17)
11. I’ll Never Stop (02:14)
12. My Life Has Just Blown A Fuse (03:02)
13. I’m Breathing Heavy (02:40)
14. It’s All Because Of Me (03:41)

An essential addition for fans of British 60’s soul, mod-era pop, and cult underground classics, they open strongly with the upbeat and lively Baby I Love You (which features excellent lead guitar work), and then bring us the laid back, smooth tones of Dirty Old Town and then we get given the upbeat and vibrant Please Forgive, the more flowery fare of A Day In The Life Of Julie, the ambient Forever Yours, before the affecting Flowers All Surrounding and, for me, the album’s crown jewel is gifted us in the form of the beloved Lost Voyage; an atmospheric and highly original instrumental.

On an album driven by the warm, expressive vocals of Herbie Hunte, whose charisma translates into an infectious and lively performance across the track list, up next is the rhythmically melodic organ and drum play within Royal Suite and the poptastic Try To Find Me before they are in turn backed seamlessly by the alt-rock-pop vibe of Too Blind To See, the Animals-esque duo of both I’ll Never Stop and the brilliant My Life Has Just Blown A Fuse, the set rounding out on the propulsive rocker I’m Breathing Heavy, coming to a close on the lushly sumptuous tones of It’s All Because Of Me.

Official Purchase Link