Ignored             Obscured              Restored

The Richard Kent Style was a British Invasion-era beat group that released a string of energetic singles, mostly on the Columbia label, between 1966 and 1969.  Though largely forgotten today, the band carved out a niche with a handful of horn-driven floor-fillers back in the day.

One standout track is “Go Go Children,” the B-side to their 1966 single “No Matter What You Do”.

While the A-side is solid, it’s the flip that truly shines. “Go Go Children” opens with a raw, driving riff that sounds like it could’ve been lifted from The Troggs’ playbook.  The track blends garage grit with brassy R&B swagger — punctuated by sharp horn stabs and a punchy bridge that leads into a pleasantly dirty guitar solo.

The band hailed from Manchester, though, curiously, there was no one named Richard Kent among its members.  The name was likely chosen for style rather than identity — an affectation not uncommon among Mod-era groups who sought to project sophistication or mystery.

While their original recordings have largely slipped out of print, you can still track down their music on various Mod and Northern Soul compilations.  Collectors and DJs in the Mod revival scene have helped keep tracks like “Go Go Children” in circulation, recognizing their undeniable energy and dance-floor appeal.

Enjoy… until next week.