The Putbacks

The Putbacks sound like the best house band you have ever stumbled upon in a windowless bar at 2 AM. Their music is built on a foundation of 'deep funk' - a style that prioritizes the space between the notes as much as the notes themselves. It is warm, analog, and unapologetically raw, avoiding the glossy sheen of modern pop-soul in favor of something that feels lived-in and slightly dangerous.

What truly distinguishes them is their restraint. While many funk bands lean into frantic energy, The Putbacks are masters of the slow burn. They lock into a groove and stay there, letting the tension build through subtle shifts in the rhythm section and the occasional, sharp intervention of a distorted guitar or a swirling organ. Their collaborations with Emma Donovan add a layer of spiritual and cultural weight, grounding their instrumental prowess in powerful, narrative-driven soul.

Start with their self-titled 2018 album for a masterclass in instrumental chemistry, or dive into 'Dawn' with Emma Donovan if you want to hear how their gritty production provides the perfect canvas for one of Australia's most commanding voices.