The Stepkids

If you were to close your eyes and take in just a few brief moments of the eponymous debut set from singer/songwriter threesome the Stepkids, you'd be forgiven for thinking someone had slipped on some little-known prog disc from four decades past. It's a testament to the proficiency with which the crafty trio draw from the colours and textures of '60s and '70s psychedelic, soul-tinged rock and funk, their thick, galloping bass lines anchoring a mesmerizing retro collage of reverb-rich guitar licks, exacting drums patterns, classic vocal harmonies and fluttering key-based bliss. The allowance for each instrumental element to breathe and roam independently is key in uplifting the sonic whole of quizzical compositions like "Brain Ninja" and the gripping "Shadows On Behalf" to such captivating heights. The slinky swagger of "Santos and Ken" adds a staunch bit of attitude to the mix, while the sing-song-y, effects-laden "La La" conjures up memories of distant sonic cousins the Rotary Connection on a record that hits the mark with each weighty tone.