New on the soundslikecafe playlist this month is a track called Tell Me I’m Wrong, courtesy of an electrifying blues rock outfit from Sydney called The Blind Pilots.  

When describing this band, it’s easy to say the same old things about being an explosive four piece Australian Roots, Rock and Blues outfit from the Northern Beaches. But the truth is all four members have known each other in previous successful bands, which gives them an advantage in the creative songwriting process.  The four friends share a close rapport and have a laugh together every week. They say, “There’s never a dull moment in rehearsals!” 

 The band members’ camaraderie is largely based on the fact they grew up listening to the same music and share common influences like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Led Zepplin and Midnight Oil.  Together they form a band making the most of dirty slide guitar, hard hitting drums, solid bass grooves, accompanied by a soulful vocal drenched in foot stompin’ harmonica riffs. “We all have an urge to push each other harder to get the best out of our muscianship and are driven to create those magic moments,” says lead guitarist and vocalist Owen.  

In a live format, the band produce an energetic show full of intense commitment, whilst still maintaining a laid back vibe.  

The lead track of their brand new EP is called Tell Me I’m Wrong, which offers frontman Owen’s perspective on the current political landscape. Accompanying tracks are Telephone – a hard-hitting blues rock tune about breakdowns in relationships, complete with  dirty blues harp and riffing electric guitar.  The swampy southern blues rock style of Howling at the Moon fits perfectly with the lyrical lament about longing and yearning.  

 Between them, their experiences have seen them performing at festivals including Byron Blues, Woodford Folk, Festival Of Sun, Echuca Blues Festival, Mud Run, Harley Days, Throttle Roll, Sydney Blues Festival and has found them on the Australian Blues charts. With new ideas consistently being brought to the table this group will continue to make inroads in the Blues and Roots World and be one to watch.

The Blind Pilots members are: Owen Mancell – Guitar/Vocals; Matt Hough – Drums; Ryan Stone – Harmonica; Daniel Changas – Bass/Vocals  

“Owen brings the spark, Matt is the conductor and reconstructs, Changas adds the bottom end whilst Stony waves the magic which is the icing on the cake.”

The Blind Pilots EP is out on August 30.  

Tell Me I’m Wrong is on the soundslikecafe playlist now. 

Download or stream from August 30:

Connect with The Blind Pilots here: