You might or might not remember the group Baby Charles from 2008. They released a well received self-titled funk album, marked by a strong performance from singer Dionne Charles and a catchier than hell cover of an Artictic Monkeys song (amongst other notable elements).

Simon Hill, one of the founding members of the band, has since started a solo project called Beta Hector. This is his first single under that name. Dionne Charles is once again on the vocals, but the music is more ‘experimental’ than their previous outing. Here they go into territory reminiscent of Norman Whitfield productions, Rotary Connection and 24 Carat Black.

The weird deep drony tone that kicks off Payback is an immediate alert – something a bit different is about to happen. From there we’re treated to a tight arrangement that partially eschews the standard verse/chorus pattern in favor of a mildly psychedelic passage featuring some serious Hammond riffage. Good stuff if you like your soul a little lysergic.

Download: Beta Hector – Payback ft Dionne Charles

Creepin lives up to the title. The lyrics are about an attraction the singer doesn’t quite understand and is obviously apprehensive about. The precise methodical drum pattern gives one the feeling of being stalked. The deep but still somewhat subdued bass furthers the suggestion of unspecified danger. The overall effect is oddly both perversely sensual and claustrophobic, like when good sex turns kinda scary. In short, it’s some freaky shit.

Download: Beta Hector – Creepin feat. Dionne Charles