ALBUM REVIEW: Barefoot Spacemen, Tailspin

Eight-piece funk band Barefoot Spacemen's debut album Tailspin blends classic funk and soul grooves with old-school disco rhythms and modern R&B to create a collection of songs that is all their own.

The album follows the story of an airport crush that develops into a long-distance relationship, highlighting the complications that come with it and the eventual growing apart of the characters involved.

Opening track Devil's in the Details instantly gives us a groove to bop to, and, followed up by N R G, shows why they're known as Melbourne's most energetic funk-rockers.

Until We Land features a delicious soul flavour and guest vocals from jazz singer Gabrielle Di Mauro. More Than Us continues with the smooth, chill soul, while Stuck in a Dreaming Loop carries on the chill vibe.

Next up, Get In, Get Out deals with the pain of a long-distance relationship, and is followed by another downtempo number in Here I Go.

Lessons is funk with attitude, then Make a Fool of Me opens with a feisty drum and really rocks out. On closing track Four Foot Nothin', the band pulls right back before building to end on a satisfying note.

It's a funk odyssey that's like listening to a classy version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In sum:

ALBUM: Tailspin

ARTIST: Barefoot Spacemen

RELEASE DATE: January 19, 2024

GENRE: Funk

RECOMMENDED FOR: Funk aficionados

Listen to Tailspin and follow Barefoot Spacemen on Instagram.