are set to release their new album 'Soul Time!' on October 31st.The retro soul boom has been one of the defining traits of the past decade. Adele is now a global icon, with the likes of Plan B trading in their hip hop chops for something Motown inspired.The hidden architects of this sound are Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings . The New York based group were making gritty soul when no one knew an audience for their music existed.Last year's 'I Learned The Hard Way' proved to be a breakthrough. The band's most successful album to date it spawned a world tour which introduced Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings to countless new fans.Now the band have finished a quickfire new album. 'Soul Time!' will be released on October 31st, with the Dap Tone crew handpicking the 12 songs themselves.Opening with 'Genuine' Pts. 1 & 2 the band segue straight into some vicious James Brown inspired funk. Sharon Jones is placed to the forefront, with her passionate vocals riding over an expert beat.A former single, 'Genuine' marks a series of James Brown indebted moments. In fact at one point conga player (and former JB) Johnny Briggs stops by to help the crew out on the anti-war cut 'What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes?'Moving from blistering funk to raw, ragged R&B 'Soul Time!' is typically eclectic. Christmas themed song 'Ain't No Chimneys In The Projects' proved that Yule tide can be soul time, while the record closes with a laid back jam on Shuggie Otis' psychedelic soul jam 'Inspiration Information'.Perhaps the centrepiece of the album is 'Longer And Stronger' in which Sharon Jones muses on her newfound success. Missing out on recognition during her youth, the singer has used her age and experience to fuel a passionate, dedicated stage persona which seems to belong completely to her.Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings are set to release 'Soul Time!' on October 31st.