The Free Label – Songs For Sienna

We just want to let you know which album is currently in heavy rotation here in the Gina household: The Free Label, six multi-instrumentalists and vocalists from Toronto, will release their second album “Songs For Sienna” this Friday. It’s sort of a mixture between The Jack Moves and Mamas Gun, with a dose of Tom Misch thrown in. Like the totally intoxicating “Change Your Mind” which won’t leave your ears once you’ve heard it. They describe their music as a “unique fusion of 70s disco, 90s R&B, and high-energy funk, resulting in a captivating, dance-focused show.” Lead vocalist Joshua Tsakas has the ability of grabbing you right away with his signature sexy voice. The other members are keyboardist Cole Mendez, synth and keytar player Jacob Thompson, guitarist Malik Mungo, bassist Mathew Fantini, and drummer Jason Martin.

“Champagne Toast” is one of those funky jams which we need a lot more of. It’s sort of a pretty in-your-face wicked groove. “Blue Suede”, the album’s opener, sets the tone right away. Their blend of soul, disco, funk, and some blue-eyed soul, yacht-soul spices, is just totally irresistible. On “Butterfly”, a bittersweet ballad, we can witness Joshua’s voice oozing joy and pain and you get totally immersed by his sheer prowess. A stunning composition with a pretty inspired ending. Four songs have already been released as singles, among them the absolutely gorgeous, dancefloor-driven “On The Floor (Let It Slide)”, complete with 80s keyboards, Joshua easily changing to falsetto, and a hook to die for. They have really come a long way since their debut “M.I.A.” in 2020, their sound very much more refined and sophisticated.

“Vanilla Affogato” with its hilariously expressive lyrics moves more toward a swampy, voluminous indie soul piece with seething undertones. More or less the same applies to “Tiffany & Co.”, albeit with a slightly slower tempo. Really dig the backing vocals on this particular tune. I think the production work is superb throughout the album. The pretty salacious “Crime Of Passion” is yet another one of those catchy pieces which we go back to over and over again. And what can I say about the album closer “Stay Honest”? Seems like the perfect pop song.

Vinyl will be available soon. The Free Label will tour Europe in the fall of 2025. We make sure to let you know.