New music from The Beatroot Road

Based in North Vancouver, The Beatroot Road is not so much a band, but more an ever-evolving creative idea. Born during lockdown in a forest studio perched on a mountain near Vancouver, the project has grown into something far larger than its origins suggest, stretching across continents, decades and perspectives. It might have started in isolation, but it now carries the imprint of a global collaboration, shaped by contributions from musicians across 13 different countries, all stitched together into a deliberately unconventional vision.

Ultimately, The Beatroot Road is built on resistance and driven by a quiet refusal to follow the expected path. Tired of predictable line-ups and genres folding in on themselves, the project leans into mismatch; instruments that shouldn’t sit together are placed side by side and styles that rarely meet are pushed into the same space. Despite its experimental nature, there’s a surprising accessibility running through it all and their consistency comes from a distinctive core setup, a left-field rhythm section built around bodhrán, rhythm fiddle, bass and organ.

The philosophy behind The Beatroot Road leads to a reflection of a world where influences are constantly overlapping. It speaks to those who don’t sit within genre boxes or categories, who exist somewhere between styles, between scenes, between definitions. In that sense, the project feels less more like a response to the way modern identity itself has become fluid and layered and that idea comes is perfectly showcased on “It’s A Laugh in the West,” a track lifted from the debut record Humanimal.

Though shaped in the present, the song carries a history that stretches back four decades. Originally penned by Demmy James and Neil Harris with Your Dinner back in the 80s, its message has endured, raising questions about life in the western world that remain unresolved. Running through the track is an acknowledgement that despite the passage of time and all the changes that have come with it, certain uncertainties still persist.

The recording process itself reinforces that sense of collaboration without borders and every element of the music is performed by real musicians, played on physical instruments and sung without the use of auto-tune. These individual contributions, recorded across different parts of the world, are then brought together and shaped by Mark at Laboratory X Studio near North Vancouver.

Opened by the soft shuffle of tapped percussion and muted guitar lines, UK-based Sophie Smith’s vocals roll in to glide above the laid back groove, spinning smooth melodies above the arrangement. Developing with bright brass tones, the track takes on a reggae hop that flows with catchy hooks and the soulful presence of The Trueheart choir from Nigeria. Dashed with stunning instrumental flickers and lively tenor sax leads performed by Ian Putz, beneath it all, the bodhrán, bass, organ and horn arrangements lock in to maintain a steady rhythmic energy.

“It’s A Laugh in the West” strikes a deft balance between enjoyable music and meaningful context, putting the songwriting talent and performance panache of The Beatroot Road project on full display. As they continue to dance between genres, cultures and eras The Beatroot Road are sure to win over countless fans around the world with their compelling musical output and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

Liste to It’s A Laugh in The West below

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