New Orleans’ Galactic are back with a new single, “Clap Your Hands”, featuring guest vocalist Miss Charm Taylor. The upbeat and percussive number is the first taste of the band’s new album (their first in more than three years), Already Ready Already, which is set for release in early 2019.
After more than twenty years on the road and recording Galactic have made something of a name for themselves both in New Orleans and further afield. Over the years their sound has evolved and developed from organic and more “traditional” New Orleans funk towards a more modern style, incorporating elements from diverse genres into their sound.
Having been primarily an instrumental band since 2007, the group have worked with an impressive and envious roster of vocalists over the years. Their 2007 album From The Corner To The Block featured a selection of rappers including Boots Riley and Chali 2na. They’ve also performed with the likes of Macy Gray, Allen Toussaint and Mavis Staples, not to mention a whole host of local NOLA talent.
“Clap Your Hands”, features one such talent, vocalist Miss Charm Taylor from New Orleans band The Honourable South. The single, like the album it is drawn from, sees the band continuing to take a more contemporary approach to their sound, bringing in modern rhythms and more electronic instrumentation, with bassist Robert Mercurio saying the band does “take influence from out hometown and try to do something new with it.” Whichever way you look at it, it’s a fun track. It’s bright, upbeat and has a great vibe, with its hand claps, horn breaks, and strong vocals. “Clap Your Hands” has firmly placed Galactic back on my radar, reminded me of how much I enjoy their music, and has got me excited for the new album next year.
“Clap Your Hands” is available now. Already Ready Already is set for release on February 8th. You can find Galactic on Facebook and Twitter.
If you happen to be in New Orleans for New Year’s the band will be seeing in 2019 with a show at NOLA institution Tipitina’s, before heading off on a US tour in Feb and March, for more information visit HERE
Header Image: Jim Arbogast
