The Subterraneans - LIKE A CHARM (Live at Miss Celie's) (2025)

Tracklist

01. Home Goals (Live)
02. Like a Charm (Live)
03. Dang! (Live) Explicit
04. Take Your Time (Live)
05. Blue Frog (Live)
06. Together We Stand (Live)

This is a bold endeavor by the Australian band The Subterraneans or "The Subs." Known for their originality, they have carved out an iconic name and brand of music distinctive to The Subterraneans and no one else. I say bold because recording and releasing a live album is undoubtedly a challenge.
I was first introduced to The Subterraneans in 2013 when I hosted them at the KL International Jazz & Arts Festival 2013. Led by the tall James Ryan, they are a versatile group, challenging to categorise as they seamlessly weave in and out of their funk-heavy rock rhythms layered with James Ryan's Tenor and Flute and Michael Coggins' guitar and effects. I have watched them live and listened to all their music, and Like a Charm is no different. It's simply too good a charm. All the compositions are by James Ryan except for Like a Charm, which was composed by the amazing bassist Steve Hunter. As with all the other tracks in this album, master bassist Steve Hunter and Jack Powell on drums are the groove masters. Their dynamics clearly reflect their immersive spirit.
Guest artists in this live album include the celebrated multi-award winner Pat Powell (Patou) on improvised vocals and Dan Barnett on Trombone. Considered one of Australia's most accomplished vocal talents, Powell is one of the rare artists who is sought after by many to work with. Dan Barnett is said to be "One of the most satisfying sounds in Australian music." -The Australian. The trombonist is featured in two songs on this album.
The album opens with "Home Goals," a seven-minute track featuring vocals by Pat Powell. The song starts with Hunter's melodic bass solo, gradually introducing Powell's distinctive voice. His raw expression likely stems from his early Jamaican roots, yet his rendition of "Home Goals" is universally appealing. The lyrics convey a laid-back, easy groovy feeling. Notably, Pat improvised the lyrics and vocal melody on the spot. Michael Coggins enhances the track with an impressive bluesy guitar solo, and towards the end, Ryan joins in to complete 'Home Goals "or, should I say, the home run!
The second track, "Like a Charm," is somewhat difficult to categorise. It begins with a repetitive rhythm from the drums and bass before Coggins teasingly introduces his guitar, which soon becomes clear that the rich organ-like tones are actually created by Coggins's guitar. James's tenor solo is outstanding here, and his full-blown talent is obvious. He is complemented towards the end with Powell's fine drum solo. "Dang!" is a vibrant one-chord groove that exudes bombast. Maintaining consistency with any groove is a challenge, but Hunter, Coggins, and Powell remain firmly anchored in this riff-based song. The funky melody kicks in once they sink into their grove, and it all starts to cook. Dan Barnett takes the trombone solo with just the bass and drums, after which James picks up his tenor. This song is pure energy, showcasing a dynamic interplay between clean notes and high-pitched tenor screams, all while Coggins provides timely fills. "Take Your Time" conveys a message of patience. What makes this piece unique is its simplicity, minimalism, and the musicians' restrained playing combined with modulation. Barnett's ending serves as a fine example of this restraint. "Blue Frog" is a nine-minute spacey, exotic, and mystical track. It's a contemplative piece that inspires listeners to stretch their imagination beyond the concept of a blue frog. The song begins with Powell, Hunter, and Coggins, with Hunter performing an exotic melodic bass solo for over a minute before Ryan introduces the melody. "Blue Frog" is exceptional. It allows each improviser to express themselves in solitude. You can hear James's voice and screams on the tenor saxophone, reaching out to connect with the cosmic power. The same can be said for Coggins' guitar, before Powell and Hunter provide a strong driving force in the background. Each melodic note played by Michael Coggins invites you to savor moments of contemplation. This is easily my favorite song on the album. Everything climaxes in the ten-minute track "Together We Stand." This is where The Subterraneans seamlessly blend their jazz, rock, and funk influences. Despite being a four-piece band, they create a heavy and imposing sound. "Together We Stand" is fast-paced, featuring blistering bass runs and an intricate melody performed by Coggins and Ryan, all backed by Powell's thunderous drumming. The band effortlessly switches between tempos, allowing each member to showcase their unique style and sound. After more than three minutes of one of Powell's most intense drum solos, the music gradually fades out.
The Subterraneans have carved out their identity in the music industry, standing independently with a unique sound and a fearless approach to their art. Their distinctiveness makes them truly incomparable. They are The Subterraneans, and that is what sets them apart—there are no comparisons, period.
There is good music, and then there is great music. This is great music. Indeed, it is a great live album that is a must-have for any true music connoisseur.

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