In an increasingly computerised, AI-driven and dystopian world, it is becoming a rarity that many musicians look to the past for inspiration in the world of music. However, taking lessons from the past and applying them to the world today with futuristic intent is the best way forward. Half Baked Jam, led by the charismatic Lewis Stevens from Perth, Western Australia, is here to change the music scene for the better in this sense as they readily understand this concept musically. Upon hearing the name of the band, one may think that these guys from Half Baked Jam are like Cheech and Chong. The truth is, however, that these guys take their music very seriously. This is their first release, an EP released in 2024. Let’s take a good listen to the music and we shall hear how it sounds.

Reap begins with some decent and funky electric guitar strumming, quickly launching into a really superb music piece that sounds just like a great 1970s Funk tune. Singing emerges, drenched in reverb, and this tune sounds like a wonderful and socially aware piece of fine and fantastic music piece that indeed, looks back to the past with power and passion. This is a really great and driven song that is upbeat, well-played, groovy and funky throughout. The lyrics and singing are also awesome to listen to. A mindblowing and trippy guitar solo that is nicely stereo-panned is here, followed by some Fundakelic-styled guitar soloing. This is fantastic, no other way to describe this. With some great singing, sounding like the Australian John Lennon, Lewis and the gents here have made a great impression. A very good listen.

You Only Get Out begins with maracas and some mid-position sounding Fender guitars, quickly launching into a strong and punchy vibe. Indeed, this is stunning listening. There are some well-written and socially aware lyrics throughout that are really well-penned. The whole group make a genuinely great musical impression on the listener. The playing is at a very good synthesis of precision and beauty, and the band work wonderfully as a unit together. There is also a nice mellotron-styled keyboard string section swell here. A great, gorgeous and lively listen. This is a good song about the realities of life, and indeed, to get anywhere in life, you have to put in the effort to make it. Some nice double-tracked Fender Stratocaster work is in the second half of this tune, along with bongos and a nod to the spirit of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. A really good listen, this sounds as though some of the throwaway pop stars of today, such as Justin Bieber or Cardi B, cannot match the talent of Half Baked Jam. Seriously. A very awesome listen, and a great piece of music to listen to. A good example of a five-minute Pop/Rock piece that sounds really stunning. Great from start to finish.

Just Around The Next Corner begins with some clean and pristine open chords, with some fantastic shuffle-styled drumming. Soon enough, some pleasant singing enters and we are on an original and powerful listening experience musically. A really driven piece of music that reminds one of the likes of Talking Heads, Half Baked Jam carries a deep and well-established musical sensibility that few can match. This music is perfect to crank in your car at full volume as you drive around where you live to wake up the neighbourhood. This has many great elements to it, from the interesting guitar work, great bass guitar playing, choppy drum fills and other neat production textures. All in all, another good listening experience that sounds much more like quality than quantity. Another killer tune.

Black Dog At My Heel begins with some chiming and lovely guitar playing, before launching into an overdriven Rock groove that sounds great. Some really wacky lyricism is here, which is quite funny. A surreal and lively listening experience, this sounds a lot like the 21st-century version of Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill (1995) album, except done by some awesome dudes. Also, it has a great vibe musically. The playing and performances here are really second to none. A good and interesting listen that is like a really great musical adventure, there are some really unique and tasteful sounds throughout this EP. The guitar solo section in the second half is insanely good, with some of the best playing on a Fender guitar that you will ever hear. This wraps up with a good outro of sustained chords that eventually finish. Sweet.

This is a musical game-changer from Half Baked Jam. The music here is so unique, fresh and fun to listen to that not only it sounds good after many listens, but it also sounds unlike much of the music ever made over time. Indeed, if this is merely an EP release, then Half Baked Jam certainly has many more surprises up their sleeve. The only really slight flaw is that some of the singing could have a little work on it to improve its place in the mix. Still, in all aspects, this is a killer EP. Should you listen to this debut EP? Absolutely, do give it a go, this is a good mixture of Funk, Pop, Rock and Psychedelia for the 21st century. The EP cover is an insanely good piece of artistry as well.

Surprisingly dazzling.

8/10