BASTARDS OF SOUL

(The 3rd Annual Vashon Island Film Festival runs August 8-11 on the beautiful Seattle adjacent Vashon Island. Check out Alan Matley’s movie review of Bastards of Soul.)

Imagine standing on the precipice of greatness, with the world at your feet and a melody in your heart. That’s where Bastards of Soul found themselves in 2020, an electrifying Texas band riding high on waves of sold-out shows and a burgeoning fanbase. But life, as it often does, threw them a curveball, reminding us all that the climb to the top is fraught with unpredictable turns.

From the heart of East Dallas, Bastards of Soul emerged, led by the enigmatic Chadwick Murray. Known primarily as a bassist, Murray’s evolution into a frontman was nothing short of captivating. His voice, a blend of grit and honey, commanded stages and captivated audiences. Their debut album “Spinnin’” dropped just as the world shut down, yet it still managed to echo through the silence, proving the band’s undeniable allure.

The documentary picks up in the summer of 2021, a time charged with creative energy and ambition. Over the July 4th weekend, they tracked the first single for their third studio album, “Give It Right Back,” under the seasoned guidance of producer Matt Pence at Echo Lab Studios. Director Paul Levatino and his team, sensing the magic, camped out to capture this pivotal moment.

Levatino’s lens doesn’t just show us the band; it pulls us into their world. We are there in the studio, feeling the weight of each note and the camaraderie that binds these musicians. The raw, unfiltered footage juxtaposed with dynamic live performances paints a vivid picture of a band at its peak, brimming with passion and precision.

But as the film documents their artistic zenith, it also chronicles a profound loss. On September 1, 2021, Chadwick Murray passed away, a devastating blow that resonated far beyond the music world. The same hospital that witnessed the birth of his son also marked the end of his journey, casting a somber shadow over the band’s bright future.

One of the film’s most emotional moments comes when Chadwick’s young son, Lennox, just able to walk, toddles over to his late father’s bass. He touches it gently and says, “DA DA.” This heart-wrenching scene captures the essence of Chadwick’s enduring presence and the profound connection that transcends physical absence. His son, who never met him in person, shows that Chadwick’s spirit lives on as he grows.

Bastards of Soul isn’t just about music; it’s about the heartbeat of resilience. Tracks from “Spinnin’” and their subsequent works provide the soundtrack to a story that’s as much about survival as it is about success. The film captures the essence of soul music – its ability to heal, to unite, and to endure.

As the Vashon Island Film Festival rolls out its red carpet this weekend, Bastards of Soul stands as a testament to the human spirit. It’s a film that will resonate deeply with those who understand that the beauty of music lies not just in its notes, but in its ability to touch the soul. Chadwick’s voice, filled with both hope and heartache, continues to echo, a reminder that true soul never dies.

Bastards of Soul is a journey worth taking. It’s a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting exploration of a band that, despite all odds, left an indelible mark on the world of music. So grab your tickets, find your seat, and let the music take you away. This is more than a documentary; it’s a soulful celebration of life, loss, and the enduring power of brotherhood.

– Alan Motley (@alanmotley)

2024 Vashon Island Film Festival; Bastards of Soul; Paul Levatino

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