“Hardest Yards” Leads a Timeless Soul Revival ~ Out Today

Today, UK soul collective Mamas Gun unveil their long-awaited sixth studio album, DIG!—a rich, analog-crafted body of work that captures the band at their most cohesive and emotionally resonant. Leading the release is the standout focus track, “Hardest Yards,” a slow-burning, piano-led groove that speaks to perseverance, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Click here to listen/get the album.

Recorded live to 16-track tape, DIG! finds Mamas Gun fully immersed in the classic soul tradition while sounding unmistakably contemporary. Drawing inspiration from icons like Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Bobby Caldwell, Sly Stone, and Lewis Taylor, the band channels a lineage of soul that blends warmth, groove, and emotional truth.

Co-written by Andy Platts and Conner Reeves, “Hardest Yards” was sparked after Reeves overheard an NFL commentator describing the pivotal short distances that can make or break a game—those “hardest yards” that ultimately define the outcome. The music, meanwhile, came to Platts in a dream, arriving fully formed upon waking. With minimal refinement, the song came together quickly, locking seamlessly into the band’s signature blend of yearning, classic soul.

It also holds a special place in the making of DIG!  It was the very first track recorded for the album, captured live in a single take. That immediacy can be felt in every note, setting the tone for the raw, in-the-room spirit that defines the record.

There’s a rare creative alchemy at work within Mamas Gun—a true brotherhood of musicians whose shared instinct and deep musical connection give DIG! its unmistakable warmth and cohesion. Frontman Andy Platts leads with a honeyed, deeply expressive voice, supported by Chris Boot’s understated yet groove-rich drumming and Cameron Dawson’s melodic, fluid bass work. Guitarist Terry Lewis brings crisp, Motown-informed textures and finesse, while Dave Oliver’s dynamic command of keys—from Wurlitzer to Hammond—completes a sound that feels both timeless and alive.

Formed in London in 2007, Mamas Gun have steadily evolved from their early pop-soul leanings into a band fully committed to a deeper, more authentic sonic identity. “Our fourth album Golden Days was the turning point,” says Platts. “That’s where everything aligned—the sound, the personnel, the intention. DIG! is a continuation of that journey, and in many ways, the realization of what we always set out to be.”

Beyond Mamas Gun, Platts has built an impressive parallel career, writing for artists like Take That and James Morrison, while also cultivating a global following as one half of yacht rock duo Young Gun Silver Fox alongside Shawn Lee.

Following the critically praised Cure The Jones, which marked a breakthrough in the U.S. with support from tastemakers like KCRW, DIG! pushes further. Across its eleven tracks, the album explores universal themes of love, family, hope, and redemption—hallmarks of classic soul music, delivered with a renewed sense of purpose. That spirit is elevated by a standout collaboration with Brian Jackson, the legendary creative partner of Gil Scott-Heron, whose appearance on the title track marks a full-circle moment and a creative high point.

From the uplifting release of “Joy” to the atmospheric introspection of “Living On Mercy” and the lush, harmony-rich soul of “Had Me At Goodbye,” DIG! showcases a band fully in command of their sound—balancing reverence for soul’s golden era with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Mamas Gun—Andy Platts (vocals, guitar), Chris Boot (drums), Cameron Dawson (bass), Terry Lewis (guitar), and Dave Oliver (keys)—have built an international following through relentless touring across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and through a catalogue that bridges vintage soul craftsmanship with modern songwriting.

DIG! continues that tradition—capturing the band at a creative peak while embracing the warmth and immediacy of analog recording. It’s not just a reflection of where Mamas Gun have been, but a clear statement of where they are now.