We don’t like to throw about terms like ‘all-star side project’ lightly, but this has to come pretty close. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion’s Oliver Baroni sent up the Rock n Roll bat signal and Andy Kandil of Moonshine Stalkers and Mad Sin, the mastermind behind Echo Ray Studio,Tuck Nelson, and the fabulous RnB star Shy But Flyy answered the call. The result? The Baroni Blow-Up, who’ve dropped a limited edition 7” double A-side for your listening pleasure.  

While we have to list the CV of the Baroni Blow-Up’s members, what we get on record is a far ride away from any of the bands on the list, and from the original version of the first track, ‘I Wanna’. The rough edges of Hot Boogie Chillun’s original have been sanded down and replaced by a garage optimism that stretches into the distance like a California highway. It’s a riot in a bottle and shines a light into the punk corners of The Hillbilly Moon Explosion’s sound, and deserves as many listens as you can give it.. 

On the flip-side, we’ve got Shy But Flyy’s original ‘Free’, a rich bluesy showcase for the Viva Las Vegas star’s gorgeous voice in slick, stripped back style. It’s a track that grows with each listen, and every time you find something new to appreciate: the laidback spikes of guitar from Kandil, rocksteady bass from Baroni or the rich, soulful vocals dripped like caramel over the track from Shy. 

The only potential downside, if there is one, is that this ‘I Wanna / Free’ a limited release available from Jungle Records or on The Hillbilly Moon Explosion’s upcoming tour. If you want a slice of global Rock n Roll from a very special side project that brings together all of our favourite things in one handy blue vinyl, you know where to look. 

Kate Allvey

‘I Wanna / Free’ is released via Jungle Records and available digitally from 15th May.

Catch the Hillbilly Moon Explosion on tour this month!