Cookin’ On 3 Burners, I’m Comin’ Home To You Review

Cookin’ On 3 Burners and Stella Angelico: Crafting Timeless Soul

Australia’s musical heavyweights, Cookin’ On 3 Burners, are once again setting the scene alight with “I’m Comin’ Home To You.” With a rich amalgamation of vintage vibes and 21st-century soul, this track shows the band’s evolving sound, while contemporary, still honors its deep-seated roots. Featuring the ever-sultry Stella Angelico, the song is a delightful marriage of poignant vocals and tight instrumentation.

The introduction sets a strong tone with a commanding horn melody. Jake Mason’s organ takes a central role, seamlessly playing both bass lines and chords, crafting a rich foundational layer that feels both intricate and smooth. Dan West’s guitar weaves in and out of the horn sections, establishing its own distinct figure, and ensuring listeners are immediately gripped.

As the verse emerges, the horns lean into a more sustained role, allowing West to oscillate between hard funk and soulful figures. This instrumental dance delicately complements Angelico’s vocals, which steal the show with their passionate resonance. Come the chorus, the backing vocals employ a call-and-response motif, adding another layer to the track’s richness.

Mason’s mastery with the organ is evident throughout, especially in the chorus, where his grand chords, combined with his nuanced bass work, elevate the sound. This, coupled with Ivan Khatchoyan’s assertive, soul-infused drumming, sets a dynamic stage for Angelico’s magnetic presence.

Angelico’s voice is a journey through the annals of soul tradition. Her rich timbre, combined with a playful rhythmic delivery, oozes emotion, especially when singing of the lure of returning home. While her phrasing reveals subtle hints of gospel influence, her main allure is the sensuality of her tone, her emotive connection with the lyrics, and her meticulous shaping of melodic phrases that align perfectly with the song’s form.

The song’s architecture showcases a unique approach to two-chord progressions, a hallmark of both soul and funk. What stands out is how each section of the song harnesses a different set of two chords, giving it a distinct harmonic flavor. For instance, while the verse centers around a ii-7 to iii-7 progression, the chorus transitions to a I to vi-7. This deliberate choice of varying two-chord sequences throughout the song not only showcases their musical creativity but also ensures that the listener is continually engaged, with the harmony dancing around the key center without ever feeling repetitive or monotonous.

“I’m Comin’ Home To You” stands as a celebratory offering from Cookin’ On 3 Burners. Through its rich layers, the track encapsulates the very essence of soul, compelling you to move to its rhythm. As you sway to the beat, you’ll immerse yourself in the intricate play of instruments and heartfelt lyrics. Ultimately, it becomes clear that Cookin’ On 3 Burners and Stella Angelico have together crafted a musical gem destined for timelessness and your playlist. That’s the short of it!

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