Take Your Shoes Off emerged from the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City’s East Village in 2017. The band’s genesis can be traced back to the serendipitous gathering of four musically inclined roommates: Mike Rafizadeh (Rafi) on guitar and vocals, Mike Gelber on bass, Eric Przedpelski on saxophone, and Paul Ballas on drums. Their shared living space became a crucible for creativity, where late-night jam sessions evolved into polished performances.
The band gained a devoted fan base very rapidly after starting out small and performing at well-known local clubs like the Red Lion and Bowery Electric. They pull from the pop-rock sensibilities of The 1975, the funk grooves of Vulfpeck, the soulful subtleties of Tom Misch, and the poignant poetry of John Mayer in their eclectic blend of influences that is their sound. Their rich, dynamic sound is uniquely their own, resulting from this combination of influences and the individual musical backgrounds of each member.
Take Your Shoes Off broadened their audience as they perfected their art, appearing at prestigious events like the Princeton Reunions and the City Winery Main Stage in New York City. Their path has been distinguished by their dedication to musical brilliance and their love of writing songs that have a powerful emotional impact on its listeners.
The highly anticipated single “Kiss and Tell,” the first taste of Take Your Shoes Off’s next full-length album “Show You Love,” which is scheduled to be released in September, was released on June 21st, 2024. The band’s distinctive sound is perfectly introduced with this track, which captures their typical mix of elegance and rhythm. “Kiss and Tell” embodies the essence of summer romance with its seductive and contagious beat. The song was written on a jam-packed outing in the picturesque mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, and it pulsates with the raw intensity of unplanned invention.
I was immediately enamored with “Kiss and Tell” by Take Your Shoes Off the moment I heard it for the first time. I was instantly drawn to this song because of its intoxicating rhythms and new, sensual intensity. As I got farther into the song, I realized that I was actually experiencing the music—not simply listening to it—in a way that was thrilling and intensely intimate.
The vocal execution of “Kiss and Tell” in the beginning is a vocal masterwork. The song opens with a cappella vocal melodies that draw you in right away. This unaccompanied opening is intriguing and surprising at the same time, creating a mood of closeness and expectation. I found myself lured into the story as I listened, the words evoking an air of openness and space that expertly prepared the listener for the next layer of instrumental music. This song’s initial simplicity demonstrates the band’s trust in their vocal range and capacity to emote with a minimal number of notes.
The song really starts to come to life at 0:08 when the entire band starts playing. A driving and relaxed beat is produced by the rhythm section, which is led by Paul Ballas’s precision drumming and Mike Gelber’s funky bass lines. The tune is propelled forward by the incredible interplay between the drums and bass, which creates a strong foundation. I couldn’t resist nodding my head in time with the beat, experiencing the melody coursing through me. This beat, which is both upbeat and soothing at the same time, is the core of “Kiss and Tell,” making it incredibly danceable.
Mike Rafizadeh’s vocals enter at 0:25, and they are nothing short of sublime. His voice carries a blend of grace and raw emotion, perfectly capturing the song’s theme of tantalizing attraction and sexual tension. The lyrics, inspired by the fleeting connections one might feel at a gym, are delivered with a sense of yearning and playfulness. Rafizadeh’s vocal delivery is both precise and emotive, weaving seamlessly with the guitar’s delicate strumming. I found myself lost in the narrative, drawn into the story the band was telling through their music.
The saxophone of Eric Przedpelski is one of “Kiss and Tell”‘s most notable features. The saxophone delicately enters the song at different points, lending a level of sophistication and sensuality. Its smooth, velvety tones give the song a lift and give an unusual contrast to the funky rhythms and bass. The soundtrack is given depth and richness by each saxophone interlude, which seems like a breath of fresh air. These were some of the most captivating parts of the song, in my opinion, because they gave it a certain texture and emotional depth.
Another standout element of the song is the guitar solo that starts halfway through. Rafizadeh’s playing is incredibly emotive and technically sound. The solo sounds like a logical progression of the song’s emotional journey and a moment of total musical discovery. It is evidence of his mastery of the guitar and his capacity to express nuanced feelings with it. I was immediately struck, as I listened, by the solo’s purpose and clarity, each note resonating with meaning and emotion.
Kiss and Tell” is a success for Take Your Shoes Off. Each band member gives it their all to produce a dynamic and well-coordinated whole on this tune, which is a superb fusion of many musical components. The song’s themes of connection and attraction are widely accessible, which makes it simple for listeners to identify with the story. “Kiss and Tell” is a remarkable debut for the band because of their amazing ability to blend groove, elegance, and emotional depth.
You have to listen to “Kiss and Tell” by Take Your Shoes Off. This track demonstrates the band’s extraordinary talent as well as their capacity to write music that has a very personal resonance. “Show You Love,” the first single off their next album, sets the tone for an intriguing musical trip. This song is a true gem for anyone trying to give their summer playlist a little more sophistication and groove.
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