Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge - Wine On Venus

"Wine on Venus" is the debut album by 18-year-old guitarist and vocalist Grace Bowers, released in August 2024. Teaming up with her band, The Hodge Podge, Bowers delivers a dynamic blend of blues, funk, and soul, drawing inspiration from artists like Sly & the Family Stone.

The album opens with "Won No Teg," a nearly nine-minute instrumental jam that transitions into the funk-infused "Get On Now." Bowers' expressive guitar work is complemented by Esther Okai-Tetteh's powerful vocals throughout the record. A notable cover of Sly & the Family Stone's "Dance to the Music" introduces the classic funk-rocker to a new generation. 

The title track, "Wine on Venus," is inspired by Bowers' late grandmother, who humorously stated she'd be "drinking wine on Venus" after passing. The song offers a gospel-influenced exploration of an interstellar afterlife, featuring a soulful guitar solo that adds depth to the narrative. 

Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, "Wine on Venus" captures the energy of Bowers' live performances. The album showcases her growth as an artist, blending jam sessions with crafted songs, and reflects her desire to express her own voice after years of session work.

Overall, "Wine on Venus" is a confident and promising debut that establishes Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge as a band to watch, blending youthful energy with musical maturity.

For a more in-depth look at the album, you might find this review insightful:

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