The Alton's - "When You Go (That's When You Know" / "Over And Over (45 Vinyl)

It is our distinct pleasure to present Penrose, a new imprint poised to usher in a whole new era of soulful sounds. Founded by Daptone Records' own Bosco Mann after building a new recording studio in his hometown of Riverside, California, Penrose will showcase the most exciting acts emerging on the blossoming SoCal souldies scene today. For its inaugural release, the label offers up five singles by five exciting new artists: Thee Sacred Souls from San Diego; Jason Joshua from Miami; East L.A. mainstays Thee Sinseers, and The Altons; and Altadena veterans, Los Yesterdays.

Though Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores share the stage with Joey Q as part of the East LA souldies outfit Thee Sinseers, they really step into the spotlight with The Altons, a group they themselves founded along with drummer Caitlin Moss and bassist Gabriel Maldonado . On this their debut single on Penrose, Bryan sings the lead with a smoky-sweet falsetto that bends tenderly from growl to howl and back again. The group takes a turn through a classic Miracles-style mid-tempo groove on the A-side, leaving you helplessly addicted to their sweet eponymous refrain, When you go that’s when you’ll know… However, it’s the B-side that prompted producer Bosco Mann to declare Bryan Ponce the most underrated singer on the scene today. Of course that won’t last long when the soul heads get their needles in “Over and Over.” The secret is out. Dude can sing. This is my jam.