Track of the Day: The Raconteurs / The Saboteurs “Sunday Driver” (2018)

It’s been a decade between drinks, but The Raconteurs have returned with two new songs and a new album on the way sometime in 2019. The songs were released via 7” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the groups last album Consolers of the Lonely.

The Raconteurs, who are also known as The Saboteurs here in Australia, are of course Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. With each of the four hailing from other influential bands, the group have released two albums: Broken Boy Soliders (2006) and Consolers of the Lonely (2008). The latter of which earned the band a GRAMMY. The group have played a handful of prestigious and iconic festivals, including Glastonbury, Austin City Limits and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2019 they will also be playing Bluesfest – for what will be their first live date as a re-united band, and currently their only announced live date.

“Sunday Driver”, featuring Jack White on lead vocals, is a swaggering slice of quality rock, with plenty of hooks, and a cool little Beatles-esque interlude. There’s also a fun unique companion video, which was directed by the acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Steven Sebring. Talking with Mojo Magazine recently about the forthcoming new album, White had this to say:

“We have a vast amount of genre pushing songs that bridge the gap between Detroit and Nashville rock and roll. The album sounds like a World War. It’s great to be co-writing songs with Brendan Benson again, the man is a song craftsman.”

If “Sunday Driver” and “Now That You’re Gone” are anything to go by the band have reunited rejuvenated from their time apart and are ready to pick up right where they left off.

“Sunday Driver” is available now. The band will be appearing at Bluesfest in 2019. The festival takes place across the Easter Long Weekend (Thursday April 18th to Monday April 22nd) at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. For more information and to grab tickets click HERE. You can also find the band via their Facebook page.

Header Photo: Steven Sebring

Simon Clark

Books Editor. An admirer of songs and reader of books. Simon has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. All errant apostrophes are his own.