A fantastic and, until recently, criminally overlooked example of sweet harmony soul, The Four Mints were a Columbus, Ohio based vocal quartet working in the same tight harmony tradition as more venerable outfits like The Impressions and The Intruders, but who adulterated the stately soul of those groups with a funky rhythmic backing that placed them firmly in the early ‘70s. The standout “Too Far Gone” borrows its driving rhythm from innumerable Holland-Dozier-Holland compositions, but retains a rough- around-the-edges production aesthetic and a celebratory horn riff that elevates it far above the level of the average Motown knock-off. Elsewhere, as on the title track, The Four Mints excel in the sort of delicate, chamber group soul cultivated by acts like The Rotary Connection and The Stylistics. The thorough folks at Numero supplement the original release with a handful of jaw-dropping demos that find the Four Mints branching out into clavichord- drenched, Sly Stone-style funk on the amazing “In a Rut”. Those interested in exploring this sound further should look into Numero’s excellent compilation Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label which gathers together a wealth of obscure releases from Four Mints label mates like Kool Blues, Bill Moss and Marion Black.