New Music: Oliver Richards - D.I.V.A.

Our review of the Aberdeen local and soul legend's new single & EXCLUSIVE interview 

Oliver Richards performing live
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/39038159/By dbking

"Can you handle the funk?!" demands Oliver Richards' new single (listen here) subliminally. The 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' singer has been quiet in recent weeks following the release of his Kick and Pull EP, which has gone multi-platinum in Bolivia, Armenia and 1978, making 'D.I.V.A.' a much welcomed return to the spotlight. 

Older than much of the material on his EP, the fan favourite starts strongly with drum loops that wouldn't seem out of place on Fleetwood Mac's 'Say You Will' album, a vibe that is continued in some of the guitar tone, vocal effects, and much of the singer's Stevie Nicks inspired wardrobe. 

Apart from a worrying moment around the 2.00 minute mark where it feels as though he may be embarking on a cover of Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing in the Name', Richards keeps everything light-hearted and tongue in cheek, a surprise given the serious nature and existential aspect of the title.

We interviewed Oliver Richards about the song in the below freezing temperatures of Aberdeen earlier today:

MME: Why go back to recording older songs after releasing newer ones like the sublime 'Gimme Love'?

OR: Prob cos I wanted to.

Wise words from the 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World' singer in that extensive interview, showing that it's not just through his music that he is able to communicate. 

Our verdict: If the music doesn't get you dancing, then the lyrics will get you singing.

8/10

'D.I.V.A.' will be released on the 28th January on iTunes and Amazon, and you can listen now via soundcloud