The Rayvelles - The Rayvelles

London-based production duo and Echo Ray Studio house band The Rayvelles deliver a seriously enjoyable mix of cinematic funk, psychedelic soul and dusty hip-hop grooves on their self-titled debut, released through Funk Night Records.

Largely instrumental, the album has a distinctly late-night atmosphere, drawing inspiration from vintage crime soundtracks, deep funk records and the kind of laid-back, sample-friendly grooves that wouldn't sound out of place on an early '90s hip-hop record. Opener “Return of the Soul Sabre” sets the mood with its dark, simmering psych-funk, while “Heavy Bop” and “Hush Mo” lean further into moody soundtrack territory with punchy drums, atmospheric keys and plenty of space between the notes. There's a lighter side to the record too, with the sun-soaked soul of “Lough Lannagh (Late 90s)” and the irresistible funk of “Suns of Marvin” showing off the group's versatility. Guest vocalist Marietta Smith brings a warm, wistful touch to “Tumblin' Down” and “Nothing But Reasons,” while Anice Ossoulian adds a soulful presence to “Black Candle.”

The result is a wonderful listen that moves comfortably between instrumental grooves and vocal soul without losing its identity. Fans of Surprise Chef, the cinematic funk of the 1970s and the more soulful side of boom-bap hip-hop will find plenty to love here.