Maktub

If their name is Arabic for “it is written,” then Maktub’s destiny is written in the stars. Equal parts Al Green and Led Zeppelin, Maktub (“MOCK-tube”) is shaking up their native Seattle with a tight live show that skillfully mixes groove-laden keyboards with crunching guitar riffs. The result? Heavy soul—a sound that lead singer Reggie Watts describes as “music that has that aching from within. That passion that envelops you.”

For all the pain, aching and passion, Maktub’s music hits you in the booty before it fills your brain. At home, in the car or in front of the stage, it’s impossible to listen to Maktub without succumbing to the urge to get your groove on. Watts barks out lyrics through a 1950s style microphone and leads live performances with the precision of a drill sergeant (but still keeping it loose enough to occasionally break down to free-form scatting—the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the grand days of Vaudeville).

It’s a rich tapestry of sound that translates well to their second release, Khronos, which was recently picked up for national distribution by Velour records—a New York indie label that’s been carving out a niche for itself by focusing on neo-urban variations of soul, R&B, funk and jazz. “Velour is willing to let us grow our audience on our terms,” says Watts. Major labels showed tremendous interest in the band after a recent appearance on NPR was followed by a stupendous spike in sales of their self-distributed album on Amazon.com, but Maktub chose an outfit with interests closer to their own. “Long term success requires long-term vision. You can have a lot of money, but if there’s no vision and no plan, you just get lost in the wash.”

Long-term planning for these shooting stars? Though his ’fro may be the size of a small planet, it’s clear that Watts’ head is on straight