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Pokey LaFarge Returns to Australia with New Album and a Fresh, Bold Sound – Backseat Mafia
It’s been six years since Pokey LaFarge the smooth-talking, vintage-loving Illinois native graced Australia’s shores. A lot’s changed since 2019, but now, he’s back with Rhumba Country (2024, New West Records), his boldest, most eclectic album to date, promising Aussie fans a night of music that blends old-time charm with bold new experiments. Born Andrew Heissler in Bloomington, Illinois, Pokey got his nickname as a kid when his mother would urge him to stop dawdling. But there’s nothing sluggish about him now. After years of crisscrossing the States in search of a home, LaFarge found refuge in Mid-Coast Maine, working 12-hour days on a local farm. It’s here that he…
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brash, bold, and primed for world domination – Backseat Mafia
I’ve followed Amyl and The Sniffers since I first saw them explode onto the stage at the Paddo RSL—of all places. Watching them evolve has been a wild ride, and today’s release of their third album, Cartoon Darkness, marks another bold chapter. They’ve played Glastonbury and they’ll be playing London’s Roundhouse in November along with a host of other shows across Europe. They’ve come a long way, and Cartoon Darkness proves they aren’t coasting—they’re pushing harder than ever. Produced by Nick Launay (who’s worked with Nick Cave, IDLES, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs), the album kicks off with ‘Jerkin’,’ a blistering, take-no-prisoners opener. Amy Taylor sets the tone right from the…
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Duran Duran Inject Disco Swagger Into ELO’s ‘Evil Woman’ With Bold New Cover – Backseat Mafia
With their North American tour looming and the release of Danse Macabre – De Luxe just around the corner, Duran Duran have dropped a surprise—a shimmering, swagger-filled cover of ELO’s “Evil Woman.” It’s a bold move, taking a 1975 classic and drenching it in the glitz of their own synth-driven, disco-rock style. The track is unmistakably Duran Duran—full of glossy production and slick musicianship, with Dom Brown’s sharp guitar licks weaving through a mesh of pulsing strings and electric synths. Simon Le Bon’s vocals glide effortlessly over it all, adding just the right balance of drama and sensuality. The band manages to keep the essence of the original while making…
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Joanne Shaw Taylor Unveils New Single ‘Black & Gold’, A Bold Reimagining of Sam Sparro’s Iconic Hit – Backseat Mafia
Acclaimed blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor has just released her latest single, ‘Black & Gold’. Produced by Kevin Shirley (The Black Crowes, Aerosmith) this soulful, blues-gospel rendition breathes new life into Sam Sparro’s 2008 Grammy nominated hit. “I always loved the desperation of the lyrics and thought it could make a great Blues/Gospel song if performed differently,” Joanne shares. “I played my version to Kevin Shirley in the studio, and fortunately, he heard the same thing I did.” The track follows on from previous single ‘Hold of My Heart‘ featuring Sav Madigan, Which marked the start of a series of singles to be released since the acclaimed album ‘Heavy Soul‘, which debuted at…
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LCSM Releases ‘The Remedy’ via Super-Sonic Jazz, A Bold Exploration of Fungi and London’s Dance Music – Backseat Mafia
LCSM – Likwid Continual Space Motion, a collective led by IG Culture, has just released their highly anticipated album ‘The Remedy’ via Super-Sonic Jazz. This new project is a remarkable showcase of innovative production and thematic depth, intertwining the complex world of fungi with the vibrant pulse of London’s underground dance music scene. The album, sprawling across 19 tracks, masterfully blends broken-beat jazz and neo-soul, creating a sound that is both unique and intricate. IG Culture, a seminal figure in the UK’s broken beat jazz scene, has long been a driving force behind what he calls ‘London Bruk Boogie’. Known for his foundational role in the legendary CoOp night at…
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Roni Kaspi Releases ‘PONI’ A Bold Debut EP That Defies Musical Boundaries – Backseat Mafia
‘PONI’ is a daring exploration of musical boundaries, blending futuristic sounds with traditional jazz influences. With her freewheeling kit-work, soulful vocals, and candid lyrics, Roni Kaspi invites listeners on a journey through six tracks that defy genre conventions. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including alt-pop, soul, world music, and electronica, Kaspi creates a sound that is both innovative and captivating. The lead single, ‘Falling With You,’ immediately stands out with its hauntingly beautiful melodies and rich textures. The song is a deep dive into themes of heartbreak and frustration, artfully conveyed through Kaspi’s soulful, resonant voice. Her signature drumming style provides a rhythmic foundation that is both…
