Melbourne nine-piece soul band Saskwatch, continue to deliver the goods with their current one-off, non-album 7″ single ‘I Get Lonely’, recorded with Mikey Young (Eddy Current Suppression Ring / Total Control) it takes the band on a new musical path with clangy guitars, fast-paced drums evoked by 60s surf- rock vibes, horn melodies giving the track an overall garage vibe all held together still by Nkechi Anele’s vocals.
With an extensive list of premier festivals under their belt including Golden Plains, Meredith, Bluesfest amongst others, it’s clear to see why you need experience their live show. Catch Saskwatch as they shimmy-shake their brassy all-out soul stomp up and down the east coast of Australia during April on their ‘I Get Lonely’ tour.
In celebration of tour, we caught up with Liam McGorry to see what tunes the band are listing to in Saskwatch tour van.
Gabriel Bruce – Cars Not Leaving
Got hooked on Gabriel when we toured the UK last year, I love his voice, it’s really incredible and he’s doing great things with songwriting and production too. ‘Cars Not Leaving’ is a great follow-up to his killer ‘Perfect Weather’. Obviously channelling Springsteen pretty hard here (which in itself is great), but it’s a fun track and has become a favourite in the last month or so…complete with wailing Alto solo!
Charles Bradley – You Put The Flame On It
This one is a favourite cut from Charles’ new album ‘Victim Of Love’ (Thanks for the Birthday present Chris). We’ve been huge fans of Charles since his early Daptone 7″s, and he just keeps getting better. Working once again with the Menahan Street Band, (in particular producer / songwriter / guitarist / genius Tom Brenneck) the songs, the sounds and the way they make Gospel sound so hip is just incredible. But lets not forget the most important thing. The voice. Killer.
The Murlocs – Bogan Grove
Absolutely killing it with their EP ‘Tee Pee’, The Murlocs are one of our favourite local bands. Again, great songs, great sounds and a great frontman in Ambrose Kenny-Smith. I love in the videoclip where they’re driving round with guitars out windows and the harmonica taped to the roof. Love the abrupt changes in feel.
Foxygen – Shuggie
Just heard their new album for the first time the other day and I love it. Another killer Californian band with great songs. I love how all over the place the song is, changing feel, sounds, and style in a matter of seconds but in a fluid style of their own.
Primal Scream – It’s Alright, It’s Okay
New Release for Bobby Gillespie and company, but very much in the vein of ’94 release ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’. Can’t remember much of their show at Meredith but I loved it. Classic Song, Classic Message, Great Band. Sweet times.
The Messengers – Song For Courtney
Another local band who keep getting better, The Messengers are probably the hardest working band in town, regularly playing 27 shows around town a week. Their latest single ‘Song For Courtney’ once again screams Brit Pop, this time with some sweet Soul overtones. Killer production, songwriting and fun vibe all round. Keep it up guys.
Alex Turner – Hiding Tonight
Rounding out the mixtape we have Alex Turner (of Arctic Monkeys fame) with a track from Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut, Submarine. No words… Alex, I love you.
