St. Paul and the Broken Bones by Paige Sara
Hark! In these dark days of musical confusion, nothing invigorates, nay, feeds the soul like the crescendo of organs and brass atop warm percussion, deep basslines and punctuated guitars. Throw in the full range of emotions evinced in charismatic leader Paul Janeway’s earthy yet fluid voice, and you’re in church. Whatever that church may be, it’s exactly where St. Paul and the Broken Bones need you to be.
Formed in Birmingham, Alabama in 2011, the eight-piece has garnered a following that spans generations with an era-crossing blend of influences — classic soul, rock, funk, psychedelic and more. Visually, St. Paul and the Broken Bones fall somewhere between discarded photos from a Selecter or Madness shoot and the theatricality of Swedish rockers Ghost. Wielding tent-preacher energy, this crew of musical saviors has a downright apostolic mandate to lift spirits and and soothe all skeletal ills with electrifying soul of the highest order.
Their debut, 2014’s Half the City, marked their arrival with a retro sound steeped in the foundational soul of legends such as Otis Redding and Al Green. Promoters took note, leading to performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury and critical acclaim. Their follow-up, 2016’s Sea of Noise, delved into societal and political issues with an expanded sonic palette.
Forging ahead, the band has continued to evolve and infuse its sound with personable touches that include heavier funk and disco and don’t stop there. Their two most recent offerings, 2022’s The Alien Coast and 2023’s Angels in Science Fiction, have expanded their gospel into Greek mythology, dystopian science fiction, parental promises, and introspection – while incorporating stoner metal, hip-hop, and minimalist acoustic moments.
Opening will be locals Soulpax, a Miami indie funk band that understands the assignment and will heat the night with their modern r&b styling. Led by Julia Camayd, whose wise vocals also bristle with youthful chutzpah, the band is hot on the heels of its latest album, Look Down the Barrel, a great continuation of the groundwork laid by 2018’s Inside Outside.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Soulpax perform 7pm Friday, September 13 at Miami Beach Bandshell. stpaulandthebrokenbones.com ~ Abel Folgar
