(April 14, 2023) Wow!
Of all the songs this reviewer has written about for SoulTracks, this is THE one that is a complete knockout in my book. Courtesy of the Reno, Nevada-based quartet, The Sextones, “Better Late Than Never” is a sweet soul taster that harkens back to mid-late 1960’s soul, a melding of styles from Philly to Chicago.
Produced by the Monophonics’ front man, Kelly Finnigan, “Better Late Than Never” kicks off with a tricky tempo from the Sextones, then seconds later slides into “blue lights in the basement” ballad mode. Sweet strings, solid lead singing from guitarist Mark Sexton with the band providing backing vocals as well as a tight rhythm track supports the song’s message of not letting a good thing pass you by in the game of love.
“Better Late Than Never” is the lead off single from the Sextones’ upcoming album, Love Can’t Be Borrowed, on the Record Kicks label. While the single will be available in a digital-only format, I do hope the label and band will consider a vinyl release for the album. That would be one record I’d wear out quickly. Well done, Sextones.
By Kevin Goins
The Sextones – “Better Late Than Never”