In the early 2010’s, I became obsessed with the two EPs released by SoCal ‘soul punks’ Suedehead. The high-energy, sugar-drenched songs by the band had that delicious mod sound with an extra swing that quickly found their way to my heart.
And then nothing more came from them, and they faded from memory like a lovely dream.
Not to be forgotten, the band re-released the total of their recordings back in 2018 as one full album. And now, following a tour with The B-52s, the band has released an EP featuring two new original songs. And they are as great as all of their older material.
“Let the Song Sell Itself” is an ecstatic jam, filled with the heavy punch of punk but with the swooning horn section that makes you want to jump up and down and dance like crazy. And then “Life at the Top” captures you with its complex percussion section; a jittery rhythm that builds up tension to make the release at the chorus all the more cathartic. The vocals are so soulful and joyous, you’ll feel you’re at a big tent revival (minus the religion).
I can only hope that these two new songs are a hint of more to come from Suedehead. For now, welcome back to these soul rebels. Listen to their new EP here:
