Dumpstaphunk – Where Do We Go From Here (Mascot/The Funk Garage)

Get the ‘Phunk outta here!

Where Do We Go From Here is a red hot hybrid of NOLA funk, blues rock and jazzy genius.

Its deep grooves and deft rhythms are juxtaposed with the most politically charged messaging of Dumpstaphunk’s 17-year career.

But even at its most serious and soul-searching, this joyous album is all about the party.

WDWGFH demands that you dance.

It doesn’t let go and you won’t want it to.

Built on a rock-meets-R&B, funk-fusion foundation this is a back-to-the-future treat for fans of Fishbone, White Trash and early Chilis.

It’s the record Living Colour was never quite brave enough to make.

And it’s an album that could hardly have been better timed against a backdrop of Black Lives Matter and a bitterly divided America.

If it’s good enough for Santana…

If you’re a fan of Dumpstaphunk then you’re in damn good company.

Carlos Santana, Bob Weir and George Clinton have been known to look in on the band.

And blues prodigy Marcus King makes a guest appearance on the band’s colossal cover of Buddy Miles’ United Nations Stomp.

In 2019 the band was invited to open up for the Rolling Stones at New Orleans’ Mercedes Benz Superdome.

And back in the day Flea was a committed ‘Phunkite — contributing to 2013’s Dirty Word.

When it comes to funk these people know their onions.

So take it from Carlos, Bob and George.

WDWGFH is an album you need to hear, need to own and need to seriously consider as the soundtrack to your summer.

Where Do We Go From Here?

It was last August that title track Where Do We Go From Here cut through the noise of the Hurricane Katrina 15th anniversary commemorations and catapulted Dumstaphunk back into the big leagues.

Back on the attack, the band didn’t stop there.

Justice 2020 — WDWGFH’s sensational set closer — dropped on the eve of the US presidential election. 

Featuring Chali 2na and Trombone Shorty, it’s a neat reworking of an anti-establishment anthem that straddles generations.

And the ‘Phunk ain’t finished there.

Backwash is an instrumental tour de force as sublime as it’s sleek.

And King’s blistering solo on opener United Nations Stomp complements a collective easing towards a career statement record.

Dumpstaphunk do it all

Dumpstaphunk founder Ivan Neville has the pipes of a soul-soaked angel.

He also boasts the benefit of experience having been schooled in music — and life — during the 60s and 70s.

It’s a killer combination that adds serious weight to a hefty body of work.

The very best of the band’s own tunes stand tall alongside raucous covers of In Time (Sly and the Family Stone) and Let’s Get At It (Blackmail).

And Neville never misses a note — his authenticity, urgency and unshakeable optimism chiming with an audience craving change.

WDWGFH is highly politicised and hugely passionate.

But it’s still stitched together by good, old fashioned funk-fuelled fun.

Where do you go from here? That’s up to you. But make sure Dumpstaphunk soundtrack that journey.