Dundee Funksters Jutebox have gifted us with their debut EP ‘Soul Maintenance’. This is an EP which gives every member a time to shine and introduce themselves to us as they show off their craftmanship. Although there is a lot going on individually with the instrumentation it all works well together to create a funky energy explosion that will get even the stiffest of crowd goers bopping their head and tapping their toes.
Starting of strong the EP starts with ‘Eoi’ a song that had me hooked within the first five seconds and will make you want to get up and dance even if there are loads of people looking. The fact this song is not lyric heavy does not take away from the storytelling that happens in this song with the guitar, keys and saxophone weaving through each other in back-to-back conversation like age old friends.
In my opinion, ‘24/7’ is the scene stealer of this five song EP with a bright and energetic guitar, a standout saxophone melody, catchy lyrics and raw vocals this song will be sure to be stuck in your head 24/7 (get it?). This song tells the story of love and relationships and that feeling of not being able to get someone out of your head and wanting them to want you too.
Giving us a retro 80’s vibe ‘Whats Happening to You?’ starts off with a fun piano vamp that continues throughout the song. With the band working together to create a beautiful funk symphony it gives the vocals and lyrics a real chance to shine and take us on a journey of trying to catch up with yourself and others when it feels like life is getting in the way of doing what you want to do.
Although this song is shorter than the rest of the EP, ‘Ecstasy’ is not one to skip as this is a fun lively track full of rhythmic bliss and really emphasises the band’s funk influence. The drums are a force to be reckoned with in this song and is the main driver of the fast-paced energy of this song.
Last but by absolutely no means least is the final track ‘Adore.’ Starting of strong with a solo groovy bass line this is a tune that is full of energy and will get a crowd buzzed. This a song that craves your attention with a chorus that you will find yourself singing along to. Released as a single before the EP the band commented that “this single will allow listeners far and wide to experience the feeling of warmth and belonging which has been perfectly melded into the curation of this songs upbeat and captivating melodies.”
Jutebox have set their standards high and I have no doubt that this band is definitely one to watch out for. As we eagerly await to see what this band does next, make sure you listen to their debut EP ‘Soul Maintenance’ and check out their socials to stay in the loop with what they’re getting up to!