A New Generation of Underground Soul

There’s no question that New York City is the home to many great underground bands and musical artists. But the idea of “soul music,” led by greats, such as James Brown, and Little Richard, is far from gone.

Amongst the soulful bands worth finding is Cosmolingo, led by Calgary, Alberta native Les Dumouchel.

“I sort of coined the term jazzyrockinsoulfulskankinfunkinblues,” Dumouchel said when asked to describe his music. “I look at all those genres that I’m inspired by and I feel that all of that represents our music. But the sound is a fusion of these different genres.”

Cosmoling played every Monday through the month of August, at Williamsburg bar Pete’s Candy Story. It was a small lounge, with a bronzy, reddish tone and a young “hip” sort of atmosphere, and the kind of place where you could almost expect to find some good soul music.

They served sandwiches, and free water by the bar, but towards the back is where you have to cramp yourself into a narrow room to hear the music play. The room was tight, not uncomfortable, but rather intimate.

After the sound check, a funky quickie that teased the ears of the audience, the band started their set. Right from song one it was obvious that the show was a treat, and the audience responded accordingly. Smooth bass grooves, two sensual back-up singers, a funky drummer, howling crunchy classic rock guitar, and Les Dumouchel leading the way with a powerful yet appropriate voice, and dance moves like the late great James Brown, made Cosmolingo a perfect blend of soul and smooth.

When the music came to an end, there was an aura of relaxation in the air. It was as if the whole audience had joined part of a group meditation, and released all the stresses of daily life out into the small dark room with the help of the music. The experience was filled to the brim with soul, and it couldn’t be ignored.

After one show, Cosmolingo was found in the back of the bar socializing with audience members, drinking mixed drinks, and smoking a carton worth of cigarettes. The members were from all over the country, and came in all shapes and styles. Maybe it just goes to show that music can bring unexpected people together to create something unique.

Perhaps different auras and feelings manifest themselves based on environment and the genre of music. Perhaps the aura felt by Cosmolingo is the same that many find from moshing at metal shows, just in a different form. But the intimacy, funk, and overall relaxing enjoyable show made this underground band worthwhile.