Durand Jones & The Indications - Private Space LP (Red Nebula Vinyl)

Durand Jones & The Indications drop their new album, Private Space, on Dead Oceans in association with Colemine Records. Following the "immaculate and eternal soul" (The Guardian) of The Indications' 2019 album, American Love Call, Private Space unlocks the door to a wider range of sounds, boldly launching the band into a world of synthy modern soul and disco beats dotted with strings. Anchored by the high-low harmonies of Aaron Frazer (drums/vocals) and Durand Jones (vocals), and rounded out by Blake Rhein (guitar), Steve Okonski (keys), and Mike Montgomery (bass), The Indications are true masters at melding revival sounds with a modern attitude. The ten tracks across Private Space provide for both an escapist fantasy and a much-needed recentering after a tumultuous 2020.

"At the end of the day, I just want people to close their eyes and forget where they are. Just the way a Stevie Wonder album does for me," says Jones. Developed after being apart for much of the year, Private Space is creatively explosive and delights in upending expectations. Throughout, The Indications highlight a collective resiliency – as well as the power of a good song to be a light in the darkness. From an Indiana basement (where the band recorded their 2016 self-titled debut LP as college students), The Indications have catapulted into the soul limelight and an international stage. Following their sophomore album American Love Call – a dreamy but pensive record of big string arrangements and sweet soul stylings – The Indications became revered by vintage music fans, the lowrider community and late-night television.

Between production work, solo efforts and major sold-out shows, Durand Jones & The Indications continue on an unstoppable upswing. With live music temporarily out of the equation, The Indications were able to dive deep into recording their third LP. Uptempo tracks like "Witchoo," "The Way That I Do" and "Sea of Love" practically manifest the flicker of a disco ball, their pop-funk grooves recalling Idris Muhammad and Raphael Saadiq as well as Pete Rock and DJ Premier. You'll slow it down as the group evokes the likes of Teddy Pendergrass, the Isley Brothers and Sylvia on "Ride or Die" or "More Than Ever" ("I've never felt so sexy as when I was singing that track," says Jones).

While Private Space is an intentional departure from The Indications' roots in ‘60s funk and soul, its exploratory vibe is true to their origins and evolving tastes. "There's a lot of the band's original DNA, but it's not a time capsule," says Rhein. The sound of Private Space isn't a stretch, Frazer adds. "We're actually revealing more of ourselves, a deeper and broader look into who we are as musicians and fans."