What’s on the label is certainly in the box – Sydney-based band Silky Roads has just released an EP entitled ‘Granada’ and it is one silky smooth piece of cool. The EP is louche and stylish – it’s all Fedoras, pencil moustaches, white linen suits and a whole bagful of attitude and some very slinky moves.
There is a jazzy laid back smoothness that is never oily – it’s liquid and crystal clear – capturing a breezy summer tone with a mannered vibe. This is a band that sounds like it has been playing the means streets of funkytown for decades despite its relative youth. The melding of smooth bass and organs with a reverb-drenched guitar adds a certain spice.
Of the EP, the band says:
‘Granada’ is a culmination of our excitement in starting to write music, a blooming friendship between four lads, and a bunch of wild world events that have changed the way we interact as human beings. We want to introduce the world to ‘Granada’, and ask everyone out there to take a listen so that we can continue to document our perspectives through the thing we love most, and that’s music.
Single ‘Pomegranate’ kicks off with a slamming rhythm section before a wandering, funky bass and slicing guitars sweep in. It is replete with an edge and vibe last heard in Prince and – for those with longer memories – Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
‘Caramel Slice’ splashes a soothing chill over the listener with gorgeous razor sharp guitars and a general bubbling underground stream providing a nice instrumental base.
‘Traffic Jam’ ups the ante – a gorgeous swell of hammond organ underpins the track with a funky vocal track exhibiting a huge range.
Instrumental ‘Rashida’ is another funky number with a satisfying chunky sound and a changing pace that ascends and crashes with verve and energy. Cinematic.
Final track ‘Keep Up’ has a delicious crooning vocal from singer Guy Richards that is both gritty and sensual – complete with chugging, splashing guitars that are epic. Late night smoky red velvet bars, the pall of cigar smoke, licentious clientele and improbably named cocktails come to mind. Delicious fare indeed.
This is a highly enjoyable slice of jazzy funk with a side serving of surfcaster guitars and a dash of bravado to brighten up the week. The band hasn’t been together that long which on the strength of this debut is nothing short of incredible.
You can stream ‘Granada‘ here
