Smith and The Honey Badgers – The Honey Badger Strut

Sometime last year there was a Kickstarter campaign put forth by this funk and soul band to get a seven inch record pressed. Finding success with their campaign, they did a run of 300 records for the people. Smith and The Honey Badgers were in the public eye. Now they are out of the gate and running fast with gigs, and a new 45 ready to shake up turntables and dance floors around the world. Comprised of front woman Marietta Smith and former members of the Cardiff outfits the Sweet Spots and Afrocluster, the musicians joined forces in London and are making moves. Part Sharon Jones, part Irma Thomas, Marietta Smith has the pipes people. There are many newer funk and soul outfits with a woman front, and she’s right up there as one of the best. This eight piece DIY outfit spread their funk and sweet, sweet soul around like some fresh marmalade on a biscuit with “The Honey Badger Strut”. Filled with plenty of horns and greasy like a proper fry up, lead singer Smith belts out some powerful vocals while The Honey Badgers get nasty on the track. About half way, the track breaks down almost gospel style, with hand claps and takes you to church. Smith’s in command, and by the time the track blasts off once again, the band is taking just what they want. Believe that. The flip, “Let’s Pretend” is a sweet soul scorcher that that’s highlighted once again by Smith’s lovely vocals and a beautiful back beat and horns. I like the heavy funk on one side and sweet stuff on the other, it’s a perfect scope of what this band has to offer up. This 45 is welcome edition to your record box. We are looking forward to their next release which is in the works.