Album Review: Mamas New Bag by Geordie Leach – A Bluesy Good Time with a Kick
Alright, let’s talk about Mamas New Bag by Geordie Leach. If you’re into raw blues mixed with some rock grit and pop vibes, this one might just hit the spot for ya. It’s like that old-school juke joint feeling but with an Aussie twist—because yeah, it’s all coming outta Australia. The album throws together Delta Blues, East Coast Blues, and Blues Rock in a way that feels familiar yet fresh enough to keep your ears interested.
First off, shout-out to the crew behind this thing. Andrea Szabo on vocals? She nails it on every track, man. Her voice has this raspy soulfulness that makes you wanna grab a cold beer and sit back. Jackie Macdonald shreds on electric guitar throughout, while Dave Hogan adds those killer blues harp notes here and there. And can we take a moment for Terry Gascoigne on drums? Dude keeps things tight and punchy across the board.
Now, onto the tracks. There are ten songs total, but I’ll focus on two that stuck with me long after the music stopped.
Track 1: “Is It True”
This opener kicks things off strong. It starts with this slow-burning riff that pulls you in like, “Hey, listen up!” Then Andrea comes in, her voice dripping with emotion, asking questions we’ve all probably wondered at some point. Is it true? Like really true? You feel the weight of those words as the band builds around her. By the time Jackie lays down his solo halfway through, you’re hooked. This song feels personal, like someone spilling their guts over bad decisions and second chances. Honestly, I found myself replaying it just to soak it all in again.
Track 5: “The Sky Is Crying”
Oh wow, this cover gave me chills. They didn’t mess too much with the classic vibe, but they made it their own somehow. Ray Oliver’s keys add this haunting layer underneath Andrea’s vocals, which are absolutely devastating here. When she sings about rain washing everything away, it hits different—you know what I mean? Like, life gets heavy sometimes, and this song captures that perfectly. Every note feels deliberate, like they knew exactly how to make your heart ache without being cheesy about it.
Other standouts include “T-Bone Shuffle,” which is fun as hell if you need something upbeat, and “Hound Dog,” where the whole band seems to be having the time of their lives. But honestly, the whole album flows well from start to finish. No filler tracks, no awkward moments—it’s solid all the way through.
Here’s the thing though: listening to Mamas New Bag isn’t just about hearing great music; it’s about feeling it. These guys aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re just reminding us why the wheel was invented in the first place. And maybe that’s why it works so damn well.
Final thought? After spinning this album, I couldn’t help but think… why don’t more bands sound like this anymore? Maybe because making music this real takes guts—and talent. Either way, Geordie Leach and crew nailed it. Now excuse me while I go find out where I can catch them live.
