Hoodoo Scoundrels - The Real Hot Sauce [EP]

The Witch Song

October 25, 2008, 02:40 PM

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Often, when listening to a new record, although I try not to, I find it hard not to pigeon hole bands into a genre before I’ve given it a fair chance. ‘The Real Hot Sauce’ by Hoodoo Scoundrels however made me stop in my tracks and although after listening to it over and over I can distinguish the influences, they maintain a certain special element that stops me just binning it with the huge amount of quasi indie-ska records that have been floating about for the last how many years. This London based quartet come from a rock background citing bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival as major influences on them which is evident from their rock and roll leanings yet they have given the rock a complete and much needed makeover. They go from slow ska breaks to punchy, classic rock style, stab sections with call and response guitar runs and even the odd country-ish lick tucked in behind the vocalist who unlike many vocalists, seems to actually merit the space between his vocal lines.


This record has many aspects that instantly appeal to the listener. The performance is delivered well and they maintain a live sound on the record that a lot of upcoming indie music loses so in this sense they have harnessed the true rock and roll spirit. With the live vibe maintained, the quality of production in general is high, which is a credit to Markant Studios in Holland where they recorded this record. With punchy ska bass lines that lock in tightly with a some what under produced drum sound, you can really imagine the Hoodoo Scoundrels causing a riot amongst teenage music fans all over. Wyndham and Callam have free range to make noise over this sturdy rhythm section and they certainly achieve a rough edged musical harmony between the interlinking vocal and jarred guitar lines.


Dare I say, it does musically align it self with records such as “Over the Counter Culture” by The Ordinary Boys; although without any pretension and with a more mature approach to song craftsmanship. They sound like The Kooks after a night in South West London on nothing apart from cheap cider and petrol station red wine. This is the kind of band that are on to a good sound but won’t grow until they develop it and offer something that makes them stand out from all the other indie ska bands out on the touring circuit at the moment.


They currently hold two residences in London, one at the Troubadour which they call The Hoodoo Hop and one at Notting Hill Arts Club under the name Sweet Memory Sounds. I can envisage audiences from many walks of life linking arms and dancing like tits to this crowd pleasing outfit. They are also supporting Cage the Elephant at two upcoming gigs which should help to raise their profile, as they deserve to perform in front of good crowds and show that they can actually play well; as they demonstrate with their Eagles-esq. harmonised guitar solo at the end of track ‘A Touch to Far’. Jokers.

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