With acts such as Durand Jones & the Indications, and Thee Sinseers, it feels like a rebirth in soul music reminiscent of 60’s Motown. Leading the charge are Thee Sacred Souls. The trio from San Diego grew to incredible success following their debut self titled album in 2022 due to their vintage sound that remains fresh and relevant. The group released their follow-up just this past October, Got a Story to Tell, to high praise. They played a homecoming show, arriving at SOMA on Sunday the 1st to a sold out crowd, ready to sway audiences.

After a welcoming opening set from Shua, stage lights went dim before the venue of fans roared as the band all came on stage to perform. Thee Sacred Souls took the stage kicking off their set with their lead single, “Lucid Girl” from their aforementioned sophomore album. Themes of love and loss made up the rest of the night as the group seamlessly weaved through their best well known tracks accompanied by songs from the new record. 

Audience members swayed and danced to every word lead vocalist Josh Lane sang displaying his incredible range. Often throughout the show, Lane would be at a loss for words acknowledgin,g that the SOMA capacity was by far it’s biggest thegroup has played to a San Diego crowd. At least three to four members of the band were from the San Diego area, as well as opener Shua, whose family was in attendance. 

Throughout the set, Lane would speak of today’s world to connect concertgoers to the music and its meaning to be more than words. He spoke of the need to love oneself and spread that same love to those around you, especially in a world that needs that same love. Lane and the rest of the group thanked the audience before exiting, but the crowd was still at a high energy. The trio soon returned on stage to give an encore that closed with their biggest hit “Can I Call You Rose” which blew the band up to its deserved prominence. Everyone in attendance sang word for word, in what became a pleasant and soulful evening. 

Seeing Thee Sacred Souls always feels like highway robbery for the price you pay for admission. SOMA, known for its heavy mosh rap concerts or local indie rock shows, suddenly felt like I was in some kind of high-end venue complete with brass sections, bongo drums, and background singers. The experience is a premium and the group thanks you every moment for attending.