[4/5 stars] "The raw, free 'n' funky force is strong right across this set." - Chris Wells, ECHOES MAGAZINE
“Step Down is a solid slab of Jazz-Funk. The grooves are tight, the solos are mostly short, and the goal is clearly to get feet tapping and necks popping. On Step Down, they have most certainly succeeded.” - Paul Abella, WDCB CHICAGO
[5/5 stars] “This new ten-tracker from the San Diego nine-piece is every bit as packed full of heavy instrumental soul and retro soundtrack thrills as past outings would make you hope for. A Step Down by name certainly, but this is anything but by nature.” - MONKEYBOXING
“This San Diego’s band’s fourth album is a potent set of cinematic soul and jazz-funk instrumentals reminiscent of El Michels Affair and Budos Band, combining psychedelic guitar riffs, moody organ, soaring horns, flute and more, with in-the-pocket rhythms.” - KEXP
“Deeply funky work from the Sure Fire Soul Ensemble – one of those special groups that always seems to bring a little something extra to their work – not just a straight copy of old school funk instrumental styles, but instead a rich, fresh approach that's very much their own! The sound is lean, but there's also this sort of majesty in the music. The approach is a bit hard to describe, but it grabs you right away, and makes you know you're listening to something that's really a cut above.” - Dusty Groove