Garden Of Life (reissue) vinyl

In recent times, a number of labels have begun serving up must-check reissues of essential street soul singles and albums from the late 80s and early 90s. The latest to get the treatment is 'Garden of Life', the sole album from Secret Touch (a largely forgotten collaboration between producer Robert Charles Roper and honey-voiced vocalist Duval). 29 years on from its initial release, the album has lost none of its obvious allure, something we put down to the sparse but emotion-rich dreaminess of Roper's relatively lo-fi, loved-up production, and the unashamed sweetness of Duval's vocals. The set contains some typically slow and groovy street soul songs, as well as a string of more gently upbeat numbers heavily influenced by early US deep house.