Mr Day: Dry Up in the Sun

Mr Day is the musical incarnation of singer/guitarist Eric Duperray, who offers up a high-octane blend of rock ‘n’ soul on Dry Up in the Sun, the band’s second release. Opening track “Food For Soul” buzzes from your speakers like a lost track by Cream, or possibly Traffic, circa 1972, with sitar sitting in for wah-wah guitar and a lively bassline propelling everything nicely. Duperray’s husky vocals waffle between full-throated soul warbling and low-key intensity, and are the main draw to such tunes as “Forgotten Realms” and the extra-bouncy “Head Down in the Water”, a song that Steve Winwood wishes he’d written. Album closer “Party Party” rounds out the proceedings on a suitably epic note, even if dud tunes “One Step” and “Caveman” are less successful in their attempt to bring something new to the retro-soul table. Overall, though, the album scores big points for its infectious energy and memorable tunes.