When we think about some of the great independent labels of the past like Philadelphia International Records, Motown and Stax, we usually associate them with having a strong regional sound that represented the area where they were from and what made each of them unique before becoming a cookie cutter formula. Each of those labels represented the best of the best and those artists stood head and shoulders with anything that would come from a major label umbrella. Some independent labels of today are still representing their hometown and beyond while keeping things special. Every city has it and just like there’s something in the water here in Philly which makes dough for bread unlike any other city, Philly’s Eraserhood Sound keeps the music flowing globally but with the heart, soul and grit of what can only come from here. Their latest release on the label exudes just that, Philly to the core and globally heard, “French Street” by Market East makes the rounds and holds things down to help make Eraserhood Sound the go to label when you think about the City of Brotherly Love.
Market East finally shares their most important statement to the world in the form of their debut LP, French Street. The group, composed of Kurt Cain on vocals, Vincent John on vocals, bass, guitar and keys, and Maxwell Perla on vocals, drums and percussion, deliver their signature celestial three part harmonies over arrangements that have never sounded so rich and compelling.
French Street is extremely soulful and the vocals are lush, like if the Zombies recorded at Muscle Shoals. The lyrics are poetic and nostalgic, as the group wrote songs about their bygone “golden” years. Back then, the boys didn’t have much besides each other and their shared love of music. Vocalist Kurt Cain lived in a small rowhome in North Philadelphia on a nearly deserted alley named French Street. It was here that Cain, John, and Perla came together every week to escape reality and get high off sharing music. They developed a deep appreciation for all things 60s and 70s, from Simon & Garfunkel to the Moments, and everything in between.
All these years later, and Market East has created a classic record of their own. From the baroque pop of the title track and the roaring soul of “Roses,” to the Latin flavors of “Echoes of My Heart” and the orchestral flares of “Everyday, Springtime,” Market East shows their impressive range. Recorded to analog tape in Philadelphia, the record was produced by the band and Eraserhood Sound. Grab your copy of this timeless classic today.