In 1986, Boston-based post-punk band 007 recorded the track “Loosen up with the Kessels.” The song remained shelved and unheard for 37 years, until the band reconnected on social media, prompting the eventual release. 007 (later “Dub7“) saw ample success, opening for legendary acts like The Clash, The Specials, and the English Beat. Today, the track releases under the name The Kessels.
With influences from both British and American punk (and more prominently featuring the former), the project disbanded soon after the shelving of the track in 1986, with members pursuing different paths. Thanks to the power of social media, the long-lost master reel resurfaced, allowing the band to revive and release the song this year. “Loosen up with the Kessels” stands as a testament to the magic of rediscovery, and also capturing a certain time and place.
Depicting “unrequited love, tough love,” within a stirring and jangly post-punk arsenal, “Loosen up with the Kessels” compels with its melody and mood. Although its original crafting came in the ’80s, the re-energized mix remains fresh and consuming in sound. The serene, confident vocals and escalating guitar tones remind fondly of The Stone Roses, maintaining a stellar sense of nostalgic momentum throughout. We’re elated that this gem was dug up and brought back to life.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of July 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
