East-LA soul group Thee Sinseers have released Love Stories, an album that deliberately draws on the atmosphere, warmth and musicianship of classic soul while remaining contemporary rather than imitative. The band says its music grows from studying and loving earlier traditions, then combining those influences with each member’s ideas to create something original, forward-looking and rooted in human connection.

The record features vocalist and producer Joey Quiñones alongside a large ensemble of musicians, including horn players, strings, backing vocalists and rhythm-section players. Several songs began as material for Quiñones’ solo album before developing into a distinct group project, with the album’s direction and title emerging organically during recording; the band is also preparing for a European tour.