Paying tribute to sitcoms like The Office and Seinfeld, Nine By Pocket Bandits is the debut album from York Calling discovery Pocket Bandits.

By Graeme Smith

Inspired by instrumental dance bands like Soulive and Snarky Puppy, Pocket Bandits are the organ trio of Joe Massa on electric guitar, Simon Bjarning on drums, and Samuel B. Lupowitz on Hammond organ, synths and pedal keyboards. Sam and Joe have been playing together since 2014 around Central New York, USA. while Simon joined during the 2020 lockdown.

Their debut LP Nine By Pocket Bandits does exactly what is says on the tin, giving us nine original compositions from the trio. Self-produced by the band and recorded at Redwood Lane, Ithaca, it feels like a project that’s fully theirs, and perfectly showcases what they have to offer the world of music.

They really don’t write them like this anymore. Right from opening track Death of a Latex Salesman, Pocket Bandits give us the keys to a house that is at once retro and modern. Noodling away on their respective instruments, the fun simply pours from each note.

Across the album, we get references to some of the band’s favourite sitcoms, including The Office from which Second Drink is taken. A raucous and jazzy moment, it proves to be a highlight. Other highlights include the quirky Did I Stutter, the slow and seductive The Bridesmaid’s Heart, and sultry album closer The Sidler.

I love it when a band strikes out on a bold new direction and that’s certainly what Pocket Bandits have done with their debut. You’ll be enchanted and challenged in equal measure by it.

Nine By Pocket Bandits was part-funded with SOS grant funding from The Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County and was mastered by Matt Saccuccimorano of Scaramanga Productions. It’s set for release 24 January 2025. If you’re in the vicinity of Ithaca, New York on 25 January, the band will be playing a launch show there at Liquid State Brewing Company.