According to their bio, The Gypsy Moths are a six-piece band of garage soul shakers from Boston, Massachusetts, bringing a full-fledged party to the stage and keeping rooms across New England movin’ and groovin’ with floor fillers since 2014. They comprise of Steve O’Brien (vocals), Chris Conway (guitar, backing vocals, percussion), Phil Thompson (bass, backing vocals), Mark Donahue (piano/keyboards), Matt Miceli (drums) and Scott Miller (saxophones)
Their latest four track EP “Wollaston Theatre” was released earlier this year.
This extended play opens with `These Days Will Run` with its thumping drums, bass, guitar, and brass, that sets up a perfect platform for Steve O’Brien`s reflective vocals. A sort of bouncy soul, R&B, and funk fusion. There was a real bluesy swagger about `The Continuing Story Of Arthur Duffy` which had me in mind of bands like the Rolling Stones `Tumbling Dice` era or The Black Crowes. The addition of Jennifer D`Angora on guest vocals was a stroke of genius. There was also a wonderful guitar solo and some sublime saxophone swathes throughout.
`City Point` is a more straight forward number that is quite alluring and has organ and guitar solos, some saxophone splashes and solid drumming throughout. The final offering `We Can`t Go Home` was a really enjoyable listen which harked back to the Northern soul days of Dexys Midnight Runners and had a tint of the blistering tracks Southside Johnny was famous for.
I did enjoy “Wollaston Theatre” and my introduction to The Gypsy Moths and their uplifting, danceable and very infectious soul presentation. If you get to visit The Bay State sadly The Wollaston Theatre is no longer around but you could console yourself with a night of revelry with Bean Town`s wonderful The Gypsy Moths instead.
Rating 8 /10
