daysahead is a band that has truly developed their own sound that sets them apart from the rest of the new/neo/nu soul movement. What may sound odd at first is that they hardly use any keys on their debut album Turning Point. Instead they rely on the strength of guitar (acoustic and electric), bass and drums and of course on the impressive voice of Kim Leachman. And it’s this combination of musical instruments and daysahead’s own blend of soul, funk and rock that is a welcome breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. All songs were written by Kim Leachman and Steve Wright, who also plays the guitars. The two other members of daysahead are Myron Carroll (bass) and James Berrett (drums).
The album starts with the powerful, lively You Move Me, which like most of the songs explores the never ending mystery of human relationships. Things get a little smoother with Love Is Love while Falling Flower has a healthy rock element thrown into the song.
For me Daysahead sounds best when it comes to downtempo like For The Love with a nice Isley like electric guitar solo or Good Ole’ Days, my favourite song, with its beautiful melody and Kim’s personal lyrics taking a trip down memory lane (by the way the only song here with some keys).
It’s In Your Hands finally sees daysahead with some socially conscious lyrics (”How high is the cost of war/ Who are we dying for/ Yearning to learn to live in peace/ Can’t we learn to just dance“) sung by Kim over a swinging uptempo groove.
Another highlight is the soulful Take Your Time. The song’s message not to rush anything must be made for me (and my desire to take my time with the records reviewed here is also the reason why it sometimes takes a few days until a new review is posted).
Courting A Fantasy is another winner with Kim being accompanied by Steve on acoustic guitar only.
And if you’re looking for a song that sums up what daysahead is all about than listen to the nine and a half minute of Don’t Fall Too Fast (Directions) which successfully makes the transition from soul to rock. Maybe that’s what The Family Stand would sound today if they were still with Sandra St. Victor and if Moon In Scorpio would’ve been a successful album saleswise.
Altogether Turning Point is a very good debut album from a band with a distinctive sound that’s left field from the soul mainstream in a refreshing way.

Tracklisting of Turning Point: 1. You Move Me/ 2. Love Is Love/ 3. Falling Flower/ 4. For The Love/ 5. Good Ole’ Days/ 6. It’s In Your Hands/ 7. Days Ahead/ 8. Take Your Time/ 9. Don’t Fall Too Fast/ 10. Courting A Fantasy | released 2005 Nightingale60 Publishing, Stephen Wright

For more infos visit cdbaby.com and daysaheadmusic.com.

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