Funk soul

Isak Thomas and The Stoop Boys: “Miss Strut”

It’s T-minus 48 hours until prep for the big feast and other Thanksgiving festivities. And even though some always end up just getting some takeout, the Turkey Day hunger is munching on most Americans’ minds right about now. But if you’ve got your meal all planned out and are still in need of some soul food for your ears long after unfastening that belt, you’re in luck.

In other words, you can give thanks to Isak Thomas and The Stoop Boys – a healthy helping of handmade soul-funk from right here in Austin, seasoned with players from Nashville and L.A.. Despite their handle, The Stoop Boys are far from lower-tier, and they sure as hell don’t need to rely on busking to get by; since 2018 they’ve shown an insanely strong grip on grooves, reached the upper steps of Texas’ retro soul-funk scene, and cemented their status with a couple singles that’ve racked up streams in the multi-millions, not to mention an equally impressive cumulative metric.

So, through three EPs and the 2019 full-length Somewhere, Somehow, we’ve heard a lot from Isak Thomas and The Stoop Boys. But after doing the dang thang for more than half a decade now (and stepping up the production quality and songwriting formulas with each release), it’s not a bad idea for the band to re-introduce themselves, especially if you’re putting them in the same room as your folks for the first time.

Yes, after a five-single-streak that started in early September, Isak Thomas and co. drop The Stoop Boys this Friday. Now, the LP release show is already behind us, so if you’re stuck at home with the family or succumbing to couch lock, you don’t need to change your plans. On the other hand, if you need to get your metabolism back on track after all that stuffing and tryptophan, spinning The Stoop Boys straight through is a solid first step. Don’t believe us? Press play on The Stoop Boys‘ lead “Miss Strut” and see just how long you can stay still to this soft-spoken, super slick possessor that falls somewhere between Durand Jones & The Indications, Jungle, and “That Lady”-era Isley Brothers.

Honey Made: “Pass Me By”

It’s finally starting to get chilly ’round these parts…at least at night. You know what that means: cuffing season is upon us. So if your slow jams playlist is starting to feel a bit stale, we’ve got great news for you.

Austin soul-funk nine-piece Honey Made just unfurled a sensual five-minute inferno – “Pass Me By”. Is it a departure from their historically uptempo sound? Undeniably. But does it also echo the hot-and-heavy energy of golden age quiet storm, not too far from Between the Sheets-era Isley Brothers? Absolutely.

Even if your evening plans don’t include staying in bed with your boo, you’re in luck too. Honey Made plays a free show 8PM tonight at Drinks Backyard. Either way, for those feeling like their world’s quickly spinning out of control, slow things down a notch or two on your way out of the workweek with this expertly crafted, violin spiced reminder to always love the one you’re with, something that’s sure to wrap you up like a warm, snug blanket throughout the upcoming winter.

Kev Bev: “History Books”

It doesn’t matter whether or not lyrics are written before or after the instrumentation; there’s always room to build contrast between subject matter and sonic character. Like for each individual genuinely troubled by the texts of “Pumped Up Kicks” or “Semi-Charmed Life”, there’s a multitude more who just love what they’re hearing without second guessing the words or inspiration. Which proves you can appeal to the masses based on a great groove alone – without having to sacrifice any lyrical integrity.

That just about tees us up for the new one from Kev Bev. For more than a decade now, multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Kevin Collins has helmed this eponymous Austin thirteen-piece, formerly known as Kev Bev and The Woodland Creatures. This hefty ensemble is about as festive as it gets, thanks to the bevy’s proclivity towards dance, loyalty to the jam (sans genre constraints), and especially their collective grasp of historical musicology.

But Kev Bev’s knowledge of history isn’t limited to sound alone. In fact, they’ve just reflected on the heavy lessons from a poignant chapter in our nation’s past: that of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. And this where the power of positivity comes into play. “History Books“ (the lead single and title track off KB’s next LP) confronts some tough stuff for sure, but balances the abysmal with killer brass, incredible rhythms, slick transitions, and easily accessible choreography, even if you’re in the library. The movement-inducing music video arrived just in time for International Women’s Day, not to mention a pop-up performance 5:45PM this Saturday at Austin City Hall for the Falasteen Street Museum and a record release show 8PM next Friday at ABGB alongside Bali Yaaah. So credit to Kev Bev, ’cause edutainment is rarely this infectious.