Bobby & Steve - Let's Stand Together (2020)

Any encounter with Bobby & Steve whether that's a coffee in a small village in Ibiza or a night on one of their dancefloors around the club world always ends in the same result; you bursting with their infectious positivity, smile on your face, ready to take on life! The twins, born and bred in London's east end, raised on an aural diet of Teddy Pendergrass, Loose Ends, Leroy Burgess, Barry White, McFadden & Whitehead and Thelma Houston to name just a few, were always destined to have a lasting impact on the musical world and in their soon-to-be-released, much anticipated debut album Let's Stand Together, they will do exactly that! Their musical influences are dominated by a slew of strong vocalists and the album is a testament to that, packed with some of the most recognisable artists of the last two decades.

While Bobby & Steve are best known for their club exploits think influential parties such as Garage City, Klub Zoo, the legendary international gathering Soul On The Beach at the Clevelander during Miami Winter Music Conference and, more recently, Groove Odyssey UK and Ibiza they made their vinyl debut in 1992 when Love's Got A Hold On Me was signed to Simon Dunmore's Cooltempo label and the duo were also behind the long running Kiss FM radio show Zoo Experience where their eclectic musical collection won them huge audience figures. Bobby & Steve have a deep appreciation of how music can feed the soul and Let's Stand Together offers a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the twins, offering a musical journey that will lift your spirits, fill your hearts and move your feet.

Let's Stand Together is a call to action for music lovers all over the world. It contains collaborations from artists that have provided the vocals on tracks that have defined more than one generation, including Byron Stingily, Barbara Tucker, Duane Harden, Stephanie Cooke, Jean Carne and Leroy Burgess to name just a few. Bobby & Steve began their musical journey as 20-year-olds in Simpson's Wine bar, where Peace of Mind featuring Lifford would not have been out of place. A delicious slice of soul funk that shows this album is not just an out and out dancefloor killer. That said, Barbara Tucker demands we join her on an escapade of love on the aptly named Lovers Escapade, a thumping, bass driven monster that will dominate the more soulful dancefloors. Jean Carnes sumptuous vocal on Was That All It Was gets a modern re-rub and there's a positive message from Johnnie Fiori on You Will Survive.

Early influence Leroy Burgess makes an appearance on the stylish Too Much, where driving keys, busy percussion and lively bassline make for the perfect foundation for his trademark vocal. There are two collaborations with respected Italian producer Peppe Citarella Smile, a stripped back taste of happiness that features Jon Pierce on vocals and Can't Wait, which takes full advantage of the vocal talent that is Stephanie Cooke. Duane Harden delivers a typically energetic performance on Pride & Joy and there are classic disco claps and cow bells to be enjoyed on I Like What You're Doing To Me which also features an upbeat, positive performance from Michelle John.

From beginning to end,Let's Stand Together is a snapshot of a journey that has seen Bobby & Steve at the heart of some of the best parties and biggest tracks of the last twenty years. For those that have been lucky to have been along for that ride, this will take you back to the electric atmosphere of the dancefloor when the duo is behind the booth, for those discovering the twins for the first time, this is not only a slice of house history, it's a chance to immerse yourself in a sound that has played more than a part in the evolution of the club scene you know and love today. The good news is that Groove Odyssey is very much a party on the up, with residencies all around the UK and an annual gathering across several days in Ibiza, where you can hear some of these tracks played out to an educated, appreciative audience.

For now, enjoy a musical journey created and curated by two of house musics true gentlemen, as Bobby & Steve say, Let's Stand Together.