American philosopher, political activist, and social critic Cornel West once said that “Love, sweetness, and tenderness never go out of style.”

In the case of “Feral Love,” the latest single from Ron Santee, these ingredients not only resonate with contemporary listeners, but also have the power to resurrect musical recipes from Asbury Park’s storied past.

The “Jersey Shore Sound” made famous by Springsteen and Southside Johnny originated on the city’s west side, with the likes of J.T. Bowen, Clarence Clemons, and their early outfits Soul Flame and The Chosen Few. On “Feral Love,” sugary-sweet backing vocals and uproarious horn arrangements are payments of homage to that soulful rock n’ roll, which Santee marinates in the engine oil of his hard-rock roots.

“I never had a partner who didn’t want to give me up,” Santee admits amongst “shoobee doobee” incantations and blasts of brass. “But I ain’t looking for no partner, I’m looking for some feral love.”

Santee’s lyrics are the white-hot pistons that set the wheels of this R&B lightning machine in motion.

“You’re a precious little feline, and I’m a dog that ain’t been tracked. Honey, the winter’s coming, and the cold it burns so bad,” Santee laments, his rugged prose rooted in the scorched-earth, Stooges-inspired performances of yesteryear he gave with The Battery Electric.

“Feral Love” sees Santee masterfully mesh a multitude of musical methodologies into a piece that appeals to both vintage and modern rock lovers alike, cementing him as one of the most dynamic songwriters of the Garden State scene.

“Feral Love” was recorded at Desert Dog Studio and features several members of the Santee-founded Pine Barrens Music Collective, an independent network of writing and production talent dedicated to developing and distributing original music with a strong identity. The accompaniment includes Billy Siegel (Keys – Cosmic Jerry Band), John Noll (Guitar, Percussion, Production – Retromedia Studios), Marguerite King (Background Vocals – Little Vicious), and The Browns Millionaires (horn section of unknown fire breathers).

Stream “Feral Love” below, as well as Santee’s previously released Pine Barrons Music Collective single “Scratching and Clawing,” and be sure to catch Santee each week on Sonic Boom, a live broadcast via Garden State Radio.

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