Darryl Anders is one of the most slept on artist in the tragically slept on indie soul and R&B universe. This guy just keeps on putting out good music under name Darryl Anders Agapesoul. Here’s the thing about that Agapesoul moniker: If you just type in Agapesoul on Apple Music or Amazon Music, it takes you to a gospel group that goes by the name Agape Soul.
One thing that can be said about Darryl Anders Agapesoul is that arrows in his musical quiver transcend genre and subject matter. That has been a recurring theme since Anders burst on scene as a in his own creative right with the release of 2012’s Believe in Love, after working for years as a much in-demand bassist.
That excellence continues on Agapesoul’s latest project, the EP Heart Conditions, which dropped earlier this year. Anders gives us a project that distills all aspects of the Agapesoul style into six funky tracks.
The album includes a cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Jealous Guy,” a call for social justice in the cut “Bulletproof” and the presence of two strong female voices in the legendary Maysa Leak on the bluesy “Nobody But You,” and frequent Agapesoul collaborator Zoe Ellis on “Breathless,” the ultra-smooth tune that is the focus of this First Listen.
From this cut’s opening line, it becomes clear why Anders likes to work with Ellis. Her voice is sultry and mature. She simply caresses every single word. And these words that describe a love so perfect and all-consuming that it can take her breath away.
Darryl Anders Agapesoul has spent the last decade giving soul music fans the kind of music that they want, and he’s found the sweet spot for fans of classy sensuality with “Breathless.” Check it out here.
By Howard Dukes
Agapesoul feat. Zoe Ellis
“Breathless”