The Putbacks are Melbourne’s premier grit-and-soul ensemble. Established in 2007, the group has become the "stone-cold pro" backbone of the Australian soul scene, most notably through their multi-award-winning collaboration with Indigenous powerhouse Emma Donovan.
Comprising Mick Meagher (bass), Rory McDougall (drums), Tom Martin (guitar), and Simon Mavin (keys), the band specializes in raw, fluid, and razor-sharp funk that pays homage to the Stax and Atlantic traditions while maintaining a distinctly Naarm/Melbourne identity.
The Putbacks take their cues from the great house bands of the 60s and 70s soul studios - think of The MGs, The Meters and The Wrecking Crew, as well as film composers from David Axelrod to Adrian Younge and contemporary instrumental groups BADBADNOTGOOD and Khruangbin.