The Devonns, a new soul band from Chicago, are set to release their self-titled debut album on April 3 through Record Kicks. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of 1970s Chicago Soul, the band combines classic influences from groups like The Dramatics, The Isley Brothers, and Leroy Hutson with a modern twist reminiscent of artists such as Jamie Lidell and Raphael Saadiq. Lead singer Mat Ajjarapu emphasizes the profound impact Chicago's musical history has had on their sound, which naturally evolved from their initial focus on 50s doo-wop.The Devonns were formed in 2016 when Ajjarapu, a med school dropout, decided to create his own music. He recruited talented musicians from Chicago, including Khalyle Hagood (bass), Ari Lindo (guitar), and Khori Wilson (drums). Their debut album, taking nearly two years to complete, reflects Ajjarapu's perfectionist vision, blending lush arrangements inspired by both Motown and lo-fi recordings from labels like Chess.The album features tracks like "Tell Me" and "Come Back," showcasing rich string arrangements and catchy melodies that evoke nostalgia while incorporating a contemporary flair. With this release, The Devonns aim to capture the magic of classic soul music while establishing their unique identity