The HU Band converted many Phantom Swayers to the cause of Mongolian Folk Rock. Let’s see if Tom McGuire & the Brassholes’ self titled debut album can do the same for Glaswegian Soul.
Yeah, you heard me. Glaswegian Soul, ya weapon.
What’s better than a Scottish, horn-driven funk band singing about professional wrestler Ric Flair? Well, probably a lot of things but that doesn’t mean it’s still not pretty dang good and worth playing on repeat for a while.
If I had to describe them in terms of other artists I’d have to say that Tom McGuire and the Brassholes sound like a Motown influenced version of The Black Crowes, with a dash of Chase and maybe that tiny fraction of Randy Newman that isn’t annoying as hell. Fans of Ripe will definitely like these guys.
On Spotify the group describes themself like this:
Tom McGuire & the Brassholes are an eclectic, modern-soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by keen skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell” consists of a colorful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men.
The “Ric Flair” video certainly lives up to that description for the most part. (Fact: There isn’t a trombone player who doesn’t secretly wish to wail a solo in the back of a pink limousine.) The Spotify description neglects to mention the wonderfully soulful female backup vocalists that along with the horns and the Hammond organ sound really fill out every track.
The bio also says the Brassholes cut their teeth busking on the streets of Glasgow, for which there is video evidence.
Thankfully the album’s mix is better than that video. (Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” is required learning for any soul-funk band though, so bonus points for that.)
The entire album is great but “Ric Flair,” “Get Out,” “Do You Still?” and “Begone, Skunks!” will probably get you moving more than the rest. Check it out this weekend. This band is pure fun.
I’m waiting for the U.S. tour.
web: https://www.tomandthebrassholes.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomandthebrassholes/
Twitter: @brassholes
Instagram: @tomandthebrassholes
- A Tale of Revenge That May Have Inspired The Statue of Liberty - February 6, 2019
- Tom McGuire & the Brassholes’ Debut Album Body-Slams You With Glaswegian Soul - February 1, 2019
- Monday Mop Up: Explosive West Coast Funk from ORGŌNE, Irish Country, Cannibal Rockers, and some Wunderkinds - January 28, 2019
