Seattle isn’t known for its soul music. In fact, it’s known for the complete opposite—extremely white, jaded independent rock. But Maktub (pronounced Mock-tube), one of the better acts of the neo-soul movement, has broken through the cynical ethos of Seattle-ites.
After beating out Pearl Jam for “best local act” in Seattle Weekly, doing an NPR segment and polishing a brand of heavy soul the band can actually call its own, Maktub’s second album was recently re-released on Velour Records.
Obvious influences quickly surface on Khronos, but with repeat listens, sounds that don’t seem to belong together blend perfectly. Maktub escapes genre-pinning without just haphazardly throwing together angular bits of its influences.
The current single,“You Can’t Hide,” opens the album and singer Reggie Watts slings his Al Green-like vocals right into the mix. Watts is constantly compared to Green. But the Reverend Al Green never sang over music quite this interesting. Maktub’s distinct sound isn’t duplicating anyone.
“Give Me Some Time” is completed by its dynamic choruses and chugging guitars. Guitarist Thaddeus Turner launches into thick distortion for a heavy chorus, and Watts sings the song’s title from his gut, letting listeners know from his inspired vocals that he really does need some time.
The standout track and previous single from the album, “Just Like Murder” sounds a little less R&B than the rest of the album. It opens with Daniel Spils’ haunted organ, and Watts sings, “you’ve changed, for the better you say.” The rest of the band floats in and the song grooves to fluttering keyboards.
Khronos is only Maktub’s second album and it’s (as a re-release) almost two years old. There’s no telling what the future holds for a band like this, but Khronos is part of a wonderful beginning. It may be grouped with the new soul movement—beginning with D’Angelo and updated by India.arie—but it rests completely on its own. From here Maktub can pretty much go anywhere its members desire and bring earnest soul to irony-weary independent rockers.