8/10

Having been writing and performing since he was a pre-teen, New Orleans' Sonny Gullage has always been one to explore those classic rhythm and blues aesthetics within everything he does. Blending a heady mix of soul-inspired textures with his own progressive flair, these last few months have been an incredibly impactful time for him as he looks to establish his place as one of the more engaging names emerging on the scene right now. And with plenty of love and appreciation for his sound recently, he is now looking to cement his legacy to date with his eagerly-awaited debut album 'Go Be Free', a record that is far more innovative than many could have expected.

While his influences certainly lay within those retro-inspired vibes of yesteryear, there is still something wonderfully progressive about 'Go Be Free', especially on its energetic title-track. Fixing himself somewhere between more organic instrumentation and a commercial approach to production gives his initial full-length this brilliantly accessible feel throughout, one that truly sets itself between the past and future of the genre. Flooding it with plenty of fun and lively hooks as often as possible, his new collection makes for a dazzling introduction into what he has been crafting over the years.

Although many in his field may still be prefer to hark back to those traditional ideals, 'Go Be Free' feels like soul music for the 21st century. Brimming with crisp and vibrant moments throughout, Sonny Gullage is certainly treading his own path in the industry right now.