Cookin’ on 3 Burners - Soul Messin’

Presenter

Damian Smith

Published

Monday 17th August

Knowfool Music

Before you can say ‘hit me’, funk is back. And not a sniff of Jamiroquai pretense in sight.

There’s no argument it always had its fans. But the recent popularity of acts like Alice Russell, the Dap Kings and Quantic Soul Orchestra indicates a real renaissance in funk and soul. And that’s before we even get to afrobeat.

Let’s instead concentrate on Soul Messin’, the second album from Melbourne trio Cookin’ on 3 Burners. It doesn’t put a (syncopated) beat wrong. This is tight, groovy stuff from a band really hitting its straps. There’s no standout single – and I mean that in a good way. Having said that, there aren’t many bands who could cover Gary Numan’s Cars in a manner both retro and cool.

Whether it’s raw Stax funk, a dubbed-out soul excursion, or a hyperactive breakbeat, these cats know what they’re doing. Guitar, drums and Hammond organ are all you need – but a little help never goes astray, especially when it comes from vocalist Kylie Auldist (The Bamboos) and trumpeter Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire), among others.

Get your jive on. Get Soul Messin’. If you don’t fancy it, check your pulse. It was a Full Frequency feature album on this very station for good reason.