Rachel Modest made her debut for ATA Records last year with her a version of "I, Who Have Nothing" that was recorded for the label's free download series "Hard Work, No Pay", and received support and airplay from Craig Charles and Wah Wah 45's Dom Servini. Later in the year she co-wrote and guested on the debut 45 by The Magnificent Tape Band ("Patterns In My Mind") that received support and airplay from Gilles Peterson & Dom servini and was featured as mpfree of the week on Lauren Laverne's BBC6 Music show where it was described as "Al Green meets Portishead".
"I Try/Forbidden Love" is her solo debut for the label and both tracks were produced during the sessions for her upcoming solo LP. As with all the releases from ATA Records the tracks were co-written with the heads of the Label Neil Innes and Pete Williams, who were also behind the debut album by The Sorcerers as well as The Magnificent Tape Band and Joe Tatton Trio singles released earlier in the year. Inviting inevitable comparisons to the recent releases from Daptone Records, "I Try" is a soulful mid-tempo track that draws its influences from the likes of Dee Dee Warwick, Ann Peebles, Madeline Bell and Dusty Springfield. Creeping guitar & bass and the understated backing vocals of the verse make way for the uplifting chorus and Rachel's soaring vocal performance. "Forbidden Love" is a darker track that acts as the perfect foil for her powerful vocal performance and a suitable contrast to the A side.
Airplay and dj support is expected from Craig Charles (BBC6 Music, Radio 2), Gilles Peterson (BBC6 Music), Lauren Laverne (BBC6 Music), Trevor Nelson (Radio 2), Jamie Cullum (Radio 2) with reviews forthcoming in Blues and Soul and Shindig magazines.