With their brand-new album Kick’n Stones, released on October 24, Australian blues duo The Stomp’n Ramblers have delivered one of the most compelling and heartfelt blues releases of the year. Rooted in the gritty soul of The Backsliders, RL Burnside, and Muddy Waters, this dynamic record offers a modern interpretation of vintage blues while preserving every ounce of the genre’s raw emotional power. The band — Owen Mancell (slide guitar, stomp box, vocals) and Ryan Stone (harmonica) — craft a sound steeped in tradition and authenticity, drawing on their deep connection to the genre’s origins while infusing each track with modern storytelling and vibrant energy. Their chemistry is immediate, unmistakable, and magnetic.
The creation of Kick’n Stones began in the aftermath of the pandemic, during a moment of reflection and reinvention for the duo. At the time, Owen and Ryan were performing in The Blind Pilots, sharing early ideas through app messages while Ryan lived near Brunswick Heads and Owen remained in the Northern Beaches. These early sketches found their first test on small stages — local bars, breweries, and intimate spaces where audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Encouraged by the reaction, the duo turned these ideas into something deeper: a new project, a new identity, and a renewed passion for the blues.
What followed was a dedicated creative process, refining 20 tracks into the 11 that make up this outstanding album. The core recordings took place at Damien Gerard Studios, with additional layers added at The Factory Studio in Mona Vale. The project was ultimately brought to life through the skilled hands of mixer Russell Pilling, whose work captures both the warmth and grit that define the duo’s sound. The result is an album built on reconnection, resilience, and a shared love for the blues — a celebration of the music that shaped them and a testament to their unique artistic identity.
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Owen’s voice is one of the standout elements of Kick’n Stones. Warm, rich, and filled with emotional depth, his vocals carry the weight of old-school blues with the honesty and nuance of contemporary songwriting. Paired with Ryan’s electrifying, expressive harmonica lines, the duo creates a timeless blend — full of heart, spirit, and authenticity. Their musical chemistry evokes the classic rapport of legends like Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, yet offers a fresh and modern twist that is unmistakably their own.
Kick’n Stones opens with the gripping “Unkind”, an exceptional introduction that sets the tone with its catchy riffs, compelling grooves, and outstanding vocal delivery. From the first seconds, the album pulls listeners into a world of grit, warmth, and authenticity. The second track, “Train,” highlights the duo’s commitment to strong narrative foundations. Its vivid lyrics and powerful interpretation make it a standout moment on the record, showcasing the pair’s ability to tell stories that resonate. The title track “Kick’n Stones” is a brilliant centerpiece — dynamic, engaging, and irresistibly smooth. Everything shines here: the vibrant arrangement, the fluid songwriting, and Owen’s rich vocal performance that flows effortlessly from start to finish.
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The album continues to impress with standout gems such as the intense, emotional, and deeply expressive “Buried In A Bottle”, the warm, nostalgic, and beautifully crafted “Way Back Home”, the thought-provoking and sharp “Vanity” which highlighting the band’s lyrical depth, and the bold, gritty, and socially aware “Politician” which carries the spirit of classic protest blues. The journey concludes with “Last Kiss Goodbye,” an exceptional ballad marked by melodic charm and memorable vocal lines. It’s a powerful closing track that captures the emotional heart of the album and leaves a lasting impression.
Kick’n Stones is more than simply a strong record — it’s an outstanding achievement in contemporary blues. With its fusion of vintage influences, modern storytelling, and electrifying performances, the album is a gift to fans of The Backsliders, RL Burnside, and Muddy Waters, and a must-listen for anyone who loves authentic, emotionally rich blues music. Raw, soulful, and overflowing with heart, Kick’n Stones firmly establishes The Stomp’n Ramblers as one of the most exciting blues acts on the scene today. Outstanding from start to finish!
Check the links below, discover more about The Stomp’n Ramblers and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.thestompnramblers.com.au
Spotify: The Stomp’n Ramblers
YouTube: The Stopm’n Ramblers
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