The Altons aren’t just another band riding the retro-soul wave, they’re adding something special to it. With their long-awaited debut album, Heartache In Room 14, the Southeast Los Angeles group is poised to take their unique mix of Latin-infused soul, moody ballads, and cinematic psychedelia to new areas far and wide.

For those already tuned into the West Coast souldies scene, the Altons are no secret. After a string of wildly popular singles on Penrose Records, Daptone’s imprint dedicated to the sun-drenched revival of Southern California soul, the band has become a fixture at festivals like Austin City Limits, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Corona Capital. Their smoky, slow-burning grooves have not only filled dance floors but also caught the attention of industry heavyweights. Just ask Mary J. Blige, who sampled their track “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know)” on her Grammy-nominated Good Morning Gorgeous.

What sets the Altons apart is the interplay between co-lead vocalists Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce. Their voices work together in a way that feels like the past and present colliding - Flores’ airy, yearning delivery melting into Ponce’s velvety croon, creating an intimacy that’s often missing from modern soul. It’s this dynamic that gives Heartache In Room 14 its undeniable magic.

Produced by Daptone’s own Bosco Mann, the album marks an evolution in the band’s songwriting and sound. “This whole album was a new experience for us, from the way we approached songwriting to how we recorded the music,” Ponce reflects. Flores adds, “Working at Penrose with Gabe [Roth] was a turning point. Our songwriting process was meticulously broken down and rebuilt - lyrics, melody, arrangement - every detail mattered.”

From the haunting organ swells of opener “Waiting” to the sultry, Tejano-tinged duets “Del Cielo Te Cuido” and “Perdóname,” Heartache In Room 14 is a record that pulses with genuine feeling. The dreamy “Your Light” delivers a soaring, love-soaked anthem, while other songs dip into the kind of Bond-theme psychedelia that feels like it was made for late-night drives and dimly lit dance halls. At their core, The Altons are a soul-rock outfit with a Latin heartbeat. Their music is built on deep-pocket grooves, infectious melodies, and an energy that demands movement.