Surprise Chef’s Superb Mixes Cinematic Soul with Infectious Rhythms

Surprise Chef has long been known for their thoughtful, purpose-driven approach to soul-jazz. But after the intensity of their live re-score of the cult classic Wake in Fright, the Melbourne-based ensemble chose a different direction. Their latest release, Superb, embraces groove, spontaneity, and the sheer joy of creation—without abandoning their signature cinematic roots.

“Superb was a real shift in process for us,” says guitarist Lachlan Stuckey. “It showed us that when we’re more relaxed during the process, we get a whole different kind of record out of it.”

And what a record it is. Drawing inspiration from the likes of David Axelrod and blending it with the pulse of producers like Timbaland and The Neptunes, Superb offers a rhythmic adventure from start to finish. Each track was recorded live to tape in one take, capturing an electrifying rawness.

Lead single “Bully Ball” sets the tone—an elegant piano groove turns into a hypnotic rhythm that echoes the best of ‘90s and 2000s hip-hop production. “The foundation was the drum feel that evokes '90s/early 2000s hip hop records like Lil Kim’s Hard Core, The Neptunes’ productions for Clipse and Just Blaze’s beats for Busta Rhymes,” the band explains.

Tracks like “Body Slam” and “Fare Evader” show off their playful experimentation, while “Consulate Case” and “Tag Dag” speed up the tempo with Afro-funk and jazz-funk stylings. Whether tucked-away timpani or robotic synth algorithms, the band has fun pushing boundaries.

With Superb, Surprise Chef continues to evolve while staying grounded in what makes them special—soulful, instrumental storytelling that moves both mind and body.