“Body And Soul” stands as a compelling collaboration between Northampton artists Maddox Jones and Great Adamz, merging indie pop aesthetics with vibrant afrobeats energy to create a release rooted in rhythm, warmth, and emotional resonance. Released via Radikal Records, the EP brings together two distinct musical identities whose shared focus on melody, groove, and heartfelt storytelling results in a refined and uplifting collection. The project highlights both artists at a moment of creative maturity, offering a release of high quality that we are pleased to feature on our webzine.
The title track, “Body And Soul,” serves as the centrepiece of the EP, blending Adamz’s signature afrobeats sensibility with Jones’s expressive and soulful vocal approach. Co-written and produced by Adamz and David Neil Jones, the song unfolds as a sunlit ode to new love, shaped by a rhythmic foundation that moves with intention. The percussion carries an elastic, dance-leaning pulse, pairing syncopated drum patterns with soft percussive accents that keep the track buoyant. This rhythmic structure creates a space for the vocals to weave through, delivering a chorus that opens up with effortless charm. The harmonic interplay between the two voices adds depth, offering a velvety texture that reinforces the track’s emotional warmth. Subtle synth layers shimmer beneath the arrangement, providing a smooth, modern sheen that heightens the indie pop mood while still respecting the organic groove of afrobeats.
Across the EP, rhythmic precision plays a defining role. The production favours clarity and movement, allowing each element to serve the overall dynamic flow. Drum programming remains at the forefront, driving the songs without overwhelming them. The basslines are crafted with melodic intuition, often shadowing the vocal phrasing to underline emotional peaks. This approach gives the tracks a sense of cohesion, encouraging listeners to follow both the rhythmic and lyrical narratives in tandem. The synth work, meanwhile, enhances atmosphere: bright but never intrusive, it frames the songs with a subtle sense of uplift, reinforcing the EP’s themes of connection, optimism, and shared experience.
Great Adamz’s presence throughout the release reflects the momentum of an artist entering a defining chapter. His recent successes—including the No. 1 placement of “Funke” on the Music Week Black Music Top 20 Club Chart and multiple accolades recognising his contribution to Afrobeats—underline the trajectory he brings into this collaboration. His tone, rhythmic instinct, and natural command of melody add vibrancy to “Body And Soul,” reinforcing the track’s celebratory mood. His rising profile, supported by standout performances such as his BBC Introducing Stage appearance at Latitude Festival, positions him as a key figure shaping the current Afrobeat landscape in the UK.
Maddox Jones brings his own depth and experience to the project. Fresh from touring with Lucy Spraggan and Rebecca Ferguson, and following the expanded release of his acclaimed album “Waiting for the World to Turn (Deluxe Edition),” Jones continues to refine his craft through emotionally driven songwriting and dynamic vocal delivery. His indie pop and soulful influences form the foundation of his contributions here, colouring the EP with expressive nuance. His ability to blend melodic clarity with introspective tone gives the tracks an accessible yet layered character, reflecting his evolution from early chart success with The Departure to his current position as a distinctive solo voice.
“Body And Soul” ultimately thrives on the combination of rhythm, synth texture, and atmosphere. The EP feels cohesive in its construction, rooted in groove yet elevated by melodic sensitivity. Its radiant tone, compelling rhythmic arrangements, and strong vocal chemistry capture a moment of artistic alignment between two musicians with complementary strengths. The result is an uplifting and polished release that reinforces both artists’ upward momentum and offers listeners a bright, heartfelt addition to the indie pop landscape.