New funk and soul bands are becoming increasingly rare and underappreciated. With mainstream audiences gravitating toward pop and rock sounds, sometimes even evocative bass lines and jazzy horn sections aren’t enough to keep large audiences interested.

But soul music is far from dead, dear reader, and nowhere is that more apparent than through the groovy, alluring and sentimental tunes from Oh He Dead.

Hailing from Washington, D.C., Oh He Dead was formed in 2015 by a folksy duo, frontwoman vocalist CJ Johnson and guitarist Andy Valenti. With Johnson and Valenti both wanting a full-band sound, Oh He Dead has since morphed into a funky, suave and slick five-piece band that leaves a sonic mark on their songs.

The release of the band’s self-titled debut album in 2019 serves as a solid introduction to their current sound and remains a memorable project with exceptional tracks like “Show Me Love” and “Stay.” But what really makes the album outstanding is the premiere of Johnson’s vocals.

Whether one has an unprecedented vocal range or a mesmerizing cadence, a unique voice engages listeners and elevates a band’s sound. Johnson’s sound is a testament to this, digging deep in each of her performances for the band. With a gritty and raspy, yet powerful, tone, it is perhaps the band’s most valuable asset.

While she has a gruff voice, Johnson maintains immense control over how intense her sound is. On “Stay,” Valenti also provides vocals that sound significantly crisper, yet when he and Johnson sing in unison, her voice is never overpowering. But her voice really shines when she lets loose, singing solo during lines like “And even when she goes / I’m still burning like candlelight.”

The track also features satisfying instrumentals that swell at the perfect moments, with a consistently march-like rhythm maintained by drums and keyboard. A technique the band utilizes somewhat frequently, which is first shown on “Stay,” is letting Johnson sing for a couple of beats without any instrumental backing. This glorious tactic never fails to create drama and tension in their tracks and keeps the listener engaged.

Oh He Dead’s sophomore album, “Pretty,” leans more into their funky side with prominent bass lines and faster tempos when compared to the debut album. Even though the production on “Pretty” is more evident, with artificial effects replacing their previously signature acoustic, stripped-down sound, the album feels timeless.

“Pretty” is sweet and tender, contrasting with Johnson’s raspy singing. Tracks like “Bottle It Up,” which expresses the desire to make a perfect moment last forever, and “Space and Time,” which captures the eternal feelings of romantic love, exude mighty feelings of romantic devotion and satisfaction. Lyrics like “And if you’ll be / My cherry blossom / I’ll be your honeybee” and “There ain’t no storm that we can’t weather” help bring that feeling to life.

Oh He Dead exchanges upbeat funky grooves on “Pretty” for an introspective, soulful and hardy essence on their latest album, “Ugly,” which was released in 2024. The band gets down and dirty with a bit of a scrappier aura that is soaked in raw, homemade energy, backed by heavier guitar instrumentals with a healthy dose of reverb. 

An eccentric horn section is even featured on the band’s best song, “Tell Me.” Overflowing with punchy, delectable horn support from the Honeynut Horns, “Tell Me” is a near-perfect arrangement with an intricate blend of rock influences and a healthy dose of contemporary blues aesthetics.

The band’s most-streamed song, “Is It My Love,” gained popularity after being featured in the video game “MLB The Show 25.” The track leans into a more laid-back vibe with a less extravagant arrangement. Instead, it is carried by guitar riffs and gentle and smoky vocals from Johnson, making it ideal for a slow dance. 

While a sonically romantic track, the lyrics also explore complex feelings of fulfillment in a relationship, with the lovely chorus asking, “Is it our love, that sets my soul on fire?”

While Oh He Dead has yet to release any new music since “Ugly,” their funky, fresh aptitude and talent are almost guaranteed to hit listeners in their souls. The band isn’t just keeping soul alive while touring across the globe — they’re reshaping it for the better with every gritty note and groovy riff.

Aden Max Juarez is a sophomore writing about non-mainstream music in his column, “Underground Earworms,” which runs every other Thursday. He is also an Arts and Entertainment editor at the Daily Trojan.