Tom McGuire & the Brassholes - Tom McGuire & the Brassholes (2019)

Tom McGuire and the Brassholes make music which takes inspiration from classic 70s funk and soul, and proponents of the modern funk movement such as Vulfpeck and Snarky Puppy. It is however so much more that simple revivalism. It combines strong musicianship, musicality and groove with thoughtful meaningful songcraft. “Funk” is often (perhaps fairly) considered as music which provides a distinct stylistic texture and a platform for strong musicianship, but no real substance. Similarly, music in which musicianship is at the forefront can be exclusive and alienating, holding appeal to fellow musos only, to the lament of those who look for more. Tom McGuire and the Brassholes provide more. There are grooves here, there is filthy get-down debt-to-James-Brown funk here, there is frivolous good-time dancing music here, but there is also a man's soul and story, laid bare, heart on sleeve themes that have relatable emotional power for those who wish to dig into it. There are no blatant cliches here about dancing or getting it on or being in clubs. Instead there is clever lyricism and heartbroken storytelling in the vein of Tom Waits or Nick Cave.
The band consists of some of the greatest young talents of the glasgow scene and the musicianship is indeed strong. The grooves are supplemented by top of the game arrangements. Collaboratively written, they put a spotlight on the individual players, allowing their characteristics and personalities to shine through. This is not simply a faceless band backing up a singer, all elements are integral.
There is thematic consistency and a broad narrative that runs through the record. At its most lofty, it tells a story of being lost in a world devoid of meaning and eventual convalescence through love and realisation of what it means to live in the moment; an exploration of what it is to be alive. The vehicle for this is the visceral, unintelectulaisable power of the groove and the pure unadulterated honest direct delivery of soul. It stands as a cohesive whole, but also as a variety of exciting individual pieces of filthy barnstorming funk from hell.
A terrifying, radical leap of a life decision precipitated the making of this album. I abandoned the significantly more sensible and secure path I had set out for myself in order to finally dedicate all of my energies to my own music. Very aware of what I have sacrificed to be able to do it, I have made every possible effort to ensure that it is the best that it can be. For once I find myself where I'm supposed to be. What a soul singer must do is absolutely channel every bit of his life and experience into his voice and the song and that's what I have done here. This record has substance in that it is not simply a recording of songs, but also a version of myself, from a time that can not be repeated.