We first became aware of Melbourne band, KARATE BOOGALOO four or five years ago. We assume they were named for Jerry O’s classic soul cut ‘Karate Boogaloo’. We’ve never had that confirmed though and the sound the band made was a far cry from that wonderful Northen vibe! What these Karate Kids peddled back then was their quirky takes on top soul and pop tunes that had been regularly sampled. They offered us all this in a series of “Mixtapes” – and the sonics were properly left field and, yes, wonky!
Since then the team (Hudson Whitlock, Callum Riley, and Darvid Thor) have changed labels and changed musical tack. Now working with US indie brand leader, Colemine Records, the boys are evolving a more cinematic approach, though still, they say, paying homage to bands like Booker T and the MGs and, of course, retaining their sense of almost goofy fun.
If that intrigues you then, can we point you to their brand new long player, ‘Hold Your Horses’ ? (Released via Colemine this Friday, May 3rd). The set’s an enigmatic collection of 12 instrumentals . Sonically, the music’s a blend of DIY funk, European cinema themes and contemporary indie soul. The instrumental palette is limited to drums, guitar, bass and organ, establishing a distinct and consistent tone throughout. The consistency is maintained by the live feel . Hear it at its best on ‘The Early Bird Catches.’ One of the LP’s early singles, it’s a dark and eerie with a gear change towards the end. It’s typical of what KB now offer!
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