BEX – BREAKTHROUGH (2024)
It began as the collaboration of Rebecca Houlihan (vocals) and Lorenzo Spinozzi (guitar) forging a dynamic duo. Enter Hernan Fridman (bass) and you have a terrific trio; then bring Bryan Curtis (drums) to the mix and you have BEX – a feast of music that is magical, miraculous, moving and mesmerising. Based in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, the eclectic foursome draws together not only different styles but various cultures in their music. With Italian and Argentinian flourish, and the charm of the Irish, BEX is not a band to be pigeonholed; a group that is not pedestrian in any way.
Using the perfect word to describe BEX, their new EP BREAKTHROUGH is a breakthrough of music from sound and style to execution and lyricism. Following the release of individual tracks ‘Freedom’, ‘Fly Away’, and ‘Light Stays On’, BEX’s debut EP traipses across rock, soul, funk, pop and hits of RnB in the mix. From the opening ‘Nowhere’ to the closing ‘Poets Blues’, each track shows us another side of the multi-faceted group; however, despite the various styles and sonic concoctions, the underlying emotion offered remains the same – a comfortable caress within a chaotic cling of sound.
Inspired by humanity and life in its totality, BEX uses real-life experiences to drive the poetic narrative of their songs. Led by songwriter Houlihan, each track channels raw emotion as a cathartic outlet and place of solace for audiences. BREAKTHROUGH sees Houlihan draw from personal experiences creating songs that share insightful tales, but also ooze the pure emotions of each theme or situation. From heart-breaking ‘Poets Blues’ to the love-drenched ‘Nowhere’, BEX delves into a person’s soul finding a song for each feeling.
Opening with ‘Nowhere’, BEX immediately shoves you into an old-school rush of soul. Husky vocals match a bold bass with drums pulsating beneath the shimmering guitar – this is a song you have to listen to when falling in love. Smooth and mellifluous, the flowing vintage soul sensation carries across seven tracks; however, hits of RnB and a strong flood of jazz break through with songs like ‘Poets Blues’, ‘People Getting By’ and ‘Light Stays On’. So, yes, there is a cohesive thread of old-school soul rattling over BREAKTHROUGH, yet each track has individuality.
Choosing a favourite track off BREAKTHROUGH is difficult but I have to go for ‘Light Stays On’. Clinging to vintage jazz and RnB with hard-hitting alternative rock, ‘Light Stays On’ is one of the more toe-tapping, body-swaying, fist-pumping rushes of soul-stirring music.
Each member adds a unique flavour to the overall BEX, but it is Houlihan’s vocals that slather honey across BREAKTHROUGH. Painful in some cases, sincere in others, her dulcet tones are confident but with a hushed veil of… well, I’m not entirely sure what it is. Moving, thrilling, empowering, caressing and mildly eerie, her sensual seduction draws you ever closer with each note; the lads fully adding a weightiness in their own seductive style.
Find out more about BEX on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more soul music on The Other Side Reviews Soul playlist:
