Superfood @ King Tut’s, Glasgow

WHEN Superfood announced their long-awaited return with the woozy trip-hop grooves of ‘Double Dutch’ back in February, it was clear that something special was afoot. Hinting at a significant change in direction for the Birmingham outfit, all suspicions and initial promises were confirmed with the release of their utterly joyous second album Bambino last month; a record that quite simply no one saw coming.

Shedding the fuzzy guitars and Britpop-angled tunes of their 2014 debut Don’t Say That in favour of exotic samples, innovative twists and a funky swagger, it’s fair to say that the band have returned as an entirely new and exciting proposition; and it’s a reincarnation that has not only shifted the direction of their music but has also increased their drive and creative spark tenfold.

Taking to the stage at Glasgow’s King Tuts last week as part of a quick jaunt around the UK, the duo radiated a newfound confidence and revitalised energy from start to finish that suggested they are now better equipped than ever to pursue things on their own terms. Immediately settling into a groove for the night, they kicked things off with Bambino’s giddily infectious, funk-laden opening track Where’s The Bass Amp? Rich with samples and boasting one of the album’s most formidable basslines, it was an appropriately upbeat and energetic start to proceedings; and it was duly received as such.

With the new album displaying a more clear-cut sound than any of their previous material thanks to a rich and warm production, one of its many standout features is its use of heavy sampling and prominent plucky bass; both of which were displayed throughout the night to increasingly staggering effect. From funky overtones to sun-drenched, anthemic vibes (‘I Can’t See’) to the glimmering ‘Double Dutch’ to the infectious sass of ‘Natural Supersoul’, there was a wide range of influences on show as they paid homage a host of genres such as dub, ska and British alt-rock. And while you could see how far they’ve come after nods to early material such as ‘Bubbles’, ‘TV’ and ‘You Can Believe’, the set flowed seamlessly as they balanced old school guitar twists with innovative twists and turns throughout.

Clearly enjoying their time on the stage, Ryan Malcolm and Dominic Ganderton’s energy fed into the crowd as the show progressed. It was the old favourite ‘Superfood’ that had the crowd jumping along in unison at the end though as the whole room crooned along to their eponymous theme song.

It goes without saying that the Birmingham outfit will be playing to crowds much bigger than this when festival season comes around next year. Finally ready to shed the tag of being mere Britpop nineties revivalists, they have returned with a record that is a testament to hard work and second chances; crafting a sound that is as multi-faceted as it is hugely ambitious. Superfood are a band reborn; a band carving out their own niche with marvellous results.