An incredible heart ‘n’ soul story continues with the release of Reel People’s first original album in over a decade, Love2.

Produced by core collective Oli Lazarus, Mike Patto and Toni Economides, and with a fresh vocal line-up including Raheem DeVaughn, Muhsinah, Chantae Cann, Michael Champion, Paula, Jill Rock Jones, Eric Roberson and Arrested Development’s Speech, this fine, 10-track opus marks a further powerful evolution of the Reel People sound.

If you have listened to the group before, prepare to be surprised - gone are the house music infected beats to be replaced by a more urban style.

Weaving contemporary R&B sensibilities into the collective’s classic grooved-out flow, Love2 embraces the out-and-out euphoria of love but offers an entirely unique voice.

Following the epic cascade of Love2’s short but exuberant 'Intro' comes cosmic neo-soul glide Save A Lil Love. Fronted by New Jersey’s smooth yet engaging Eric Roberson, and built upon swirls of spacious synths, heightened rhythms, the track instantly reminds of Reel People’s renown for quality production whilst plumbing new emotive depths.

Everything’s So Crazy, performed by US songstress Jill Rock Jones, digs similarly deep – another stirring demonstration of soulful flavour with Jones moving elegantly across languid guitars and spacious beats.

A swaggering piano stomp and some smart phrasing from Michael Champion give If I Was Your Man personality. On Fly, meanwhile, Paula ensures dextrous delivery meets snappy production to effectively convey the empowering sass and confidence she intends – “I’ve got one life to live y’all/And I’m sure as hell gonna live it.”

It’s the first of two outings for the versatile Atlanta-based singer, who brings earthbound maturity and heft to later lilting and acoustic number Vibe despite its idealistic lover’s gaze.

A surprising return which marks a new renaissance for Reel People.