Brand new album from The Baker Brothers

For over two decades, UK-based funk outfit The Baker Brothers have been pioneers in the modern funk scene, redefining and revitalising the genre with a unique perspective that honours its roots while offering something new. Known for channeling the sounds of funk legends like Sly & The Family Stone, The Meters and Steely Dan, they’ve created a grooving sound infused with the soul and energy of blue-eyed funk which stands at the crossroads between nostalgic homage and bold innovation.

Since 2001 they’ve delivered an impressive catalogue of eight studio albums, working with leading artists such as Hamish Stewart of Average White Band and legendary vocalists like Vanessa Freeman and Hannah Williams. With numerous tours across Europe and a loyal fan base in Japan, their thrilling live performances have left a lasting impression on audiences, drawing in fans and energising dance floors around the world.

Now, after a five-year hiatus since their last album, The Baker Brothers return with their latest record, The Next Last Party, a sensational distillation of the group’s timeless appeal and evolving artistic vision. This new album leans into the classic funk elements fans know and love while exploring deeper musical and thematic areas. With The Next Last Party, The Baker Brothers stay planted in their soulful origins but add new layers that reflect the highs and lows of recent years. True to form, the album’s arrangements boast tight horn sections, a fiercely grooving rhythm backbone and the kind of funk guitar riffs that have always been their trademark.

The album opens with “Sunrise,” featuring Hannah Williams’ soaring vocals which glide over the infectious rhythms of snapping drums and popping bass lines. It’s a track that hooks listeners from the first beat, serving up an instantly catchy jam brimming with bright funk guitars and hook-focused vocal performances. In contrast, “Heartbreaker” shifts to a Brit-funk groove, pairing punchy brass with a deep, emotive vocal from singer Geoff, complete with a gospel-inspired chorus that feels like a love letter to the genre. Colourful brass pips combine with the intricate guitar work and bold bass notes, crafting a smooth funk anthem that’s impossible not to love.

The spirit of classic funk meets modern exploration on tracks like “You Are the One,” a playful, bass-heavy anthem reminiscent of funk’s finest eras to serve up a memorable outing that’s soulful and danceable in equal measure. Other highlights on the record include songs like “Sleepwalking,” featuring Nolo to deliver a slower piece capped by warm vocals, a Thundercat-eque groove and shimmering arrangement. Another collaboration sees The Baker Brothers link up with Frankie Connolly for a stunning track built on laid back rhythms and elegant instrumentation to lay down a mellow slice of The Baker Brothers’ charming funk sound.

Throughout The Next Last Party, the group balances high-energy rhythms with lyrical reflection in dazzling fashion. From start to finish, they offer an incredible display of their songwriting talent and musicianship panache on an album that’s engaging and enjoyable from start to finish, marking their spectacular return to the music scene.

Listen to The Next Last Party below