Northern Beaches soul-blues duo The Stomp'n Ramblers latest offering, 'Way Back Home', is a slice of lively Australiana that'll have you reaching for your blue undershirt (even if you don't own one!).
Influenced by the likes of The Backsliders and Muddy Waters, The Stomp'n Ramblers are Owen Mancell on slide guitar/ stomp box/ vocals and Ryan Stone on harmonica.
The follow-up to 'Train' – with both singles to feature on a forthcoming record – 'Way Back Home' was born from the feeling of longing for home, returning to loved ones and the nourishment that comes from being with your people.
Whips are crackin' and dust is flying as cattle circle in hordes, flies the size of golf balls attempting to French-kiss you as cattle dogs nip the heels of stray cows – that's the scenario The Stomp'n Ramblers' 'Way Back Home' places you inside.
A two-minute jaunty ride of R&B-soaked blues, a sizzling, meaty harmonica offering sonic refuge while an acoustic slide guitar twangs with the ferocity of a swagman flogging his horse riding for safety of the homestead.
Owen's vocals add the smokey-honeyed texture, giving the song a stirring earthiness like a tangy meat rub applied to the soul.
It's akin to a siren's call for weary bushman aka the modern worker slogging through another blister-inducing work week with the eye on the 5 o'clock steam whistle to down tools and head to the sanctuary of home.
Released today, scenestr is amped to premiere the 'Way Back Home' music video. Enjoy.
"Stoney and I wrote 'Way Back Home' when we first met (before we joined the Blind Pilots together)," Owen says. "We shelved it for around three years or more.
"I came up with the guitar part and I texted him the idea – Stoney returned fire with harmonica parts – there was something honest in it, something that stuck.
"At the time, Stoney was bouncing between his farm in the Northern Rivers and work down in Avalon – always in motion, but always coming home. That feeling of return, of finding your way back to the people who ground you – that's what the song became."
The 'Way Back Home' clip features Owen and Stoney seated at a bar table in the club – sharing an acoustic blues jam and a drink. The video captures their natural musical connection and easy rhythm, while their raw storytelling brings to life the emotion of returning home.
"This (along with 'Train' clip) was filmed at the Avalon Golf Club – a place that holds a grounding sense of familiarity for Stoney. Its timeless character and connection to the local community made it a great setting for the clip."
The Stomp'n Ramblers support Dallas Frasca Doing Led Zeppelin at Bridge Hotel (Sydney) on 11 October, before playing Billinudgel Hotel (Northern Rivers) on 26 December.
