Yogi-G and The Family Tree are back with brand new single Blind Man and The Monkey alongside the release of the bandâs eagerly awaited album Show Me The Truth.
Led by Gaz Whelanâco-founder, Ivor Novello winning songwriter and drummer of the legendary Happy Mondaysâthis project blends his iconic Madchester groove with fresh, infectious energy, delivering music thatâs both raw and transcendent, and also features the irrepressible vocals of Rowetta making the sounds of 1990 come alive again in glorious fashion.
Gazâs influences mainly stem from John Lydon, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. A more cerebral character than bandmates Shaun, Bez and co. but still a major proponent of that larger-than-life Mancunian braggadocious swagger that have paved the way for a whole subculture of British indie pop bands like The Stone Roses, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, The Charlatans, Primal Scream, Badly Drawn Boy et al.
With a working title of âA Record Collection in One Albumâ, the newly titled album Show Me The Truth is a genre-free zone, a collision of moods and styles that dovetails Whelanâs ragged, dark lyrical musings with soulful vocals and African rhythms.
Itâs the aural equivalent of lying in a warm bath in the middle of a snowstormâwhere spaghetti western strings stretch from heaven, rubbing up against filthy electric guitars and punk gospel rhythm and rhyme. A hidden optimism weaves through its DNA, offering soul salvation for the cynical, a safe haven from an ever-insane world.
As Gaz explains, âYogi-G and The Family Tree are not hippies, we give a fuller human experience that is more devolved from the punk experience, where you never quite know if youâre going to get a hug or a headbutt. Life is filled with peace and love but equally excitement and pain.â
Started in Toronto and finished in Warrington, the album was born out of frustration and creative restlessness, as Gaz further explains, âI got fed up waiting around to try to agree to write a new Mondays album. When it became apparent, we couldnât agree, I decided to do my own. I think itâs bloody great and the support has been outstanding and for all the good ones weâve lost along the way like Gil Scott Heron, Tony Wilson and more recently my bandmate Paul Ryder, this is for them and for all those who just love to get off on good music.â