Here we have the debut album from Ōtautahi/Christchurch based six-piece Somebody Do Something who describe their music as pop-funk-dance with some influences of reggae, rock and jazz, except they somewhat understate this. Comprising Grace Stainthorpe (violin and backing vocals), Ash Perry (drums), Marlee Fay (vocals), Austyn Mills (bass and backing vocals), Wilson Reveley (saxophone), and Callum Margetts (guitar and backing vocals) we have a band who are creating a true melting pot of genre-bending music which changes as they work through the different songs on the album. There is no doubt that these guys have all been playing for some time, even though this group was only formed in 2020, as this is packed full of the relaxation which only comes from musicians who really know what they are doing.
It is unusual for any band to include both violin and sax in their line-up, as they often pull the music in different directions, but here they carry it off with ease combining when the time is right and taking a back step the rest of the time. Musically the band rely greatly on the rhythm section to often carry the melody, with guitar also being used sparingly for effect, with some nice bass pops and runs which are wonderfully fluid and a drummer who keeps it and tight and never overplays. It is hard to say which genre they mostly base their music in, but jazz is probably the most accurate fit although they also layer in Amy Winehouse-style pop, and we get touches of funk and soul in other places as well while they can also rock a little when they want to (as in the intro to Jack Who Shocked The Nation). What allows them to move around so much are the vocals of American-born Marlee Fay who apparently has followed music from Los Angeles to Italy, Japan, Australia and now Aotearoa. She can sing sweetly in a pop style, or happily throw her vocals around in jazz with some delicious lifts, and whatever arrangement is behind her she makes it her own.
Apparently, these guys have been touring up and down the country since they formed, and I need to keep a weather eye on what is going on as hopefully I can then catch them the next time they are up in Tāmaki Makaurau as a band as hot as this, with songs this good, are guaranteed to be a great time.
Rating: 8/10
