Twilight Muse have never been a band to play it safe, and with their new live album, Collabs: Live at Garcia’s at The Cap, they dive headfirst into the thrilling unpredictability of spontaneous musical communion. What emerges is a bold and blistering showcase of their genre-fusing spirit, anchored by blistering live chemistry and some truly legendary sit-ins.
The magic kicks off with “Living for the City,” a funk-fuelled reworking of the Stevie Wonder classic that’s equal parts homage and reinvention. Featuring Robert Randolph on pedal steel and G. Love on blues harp, it builds from smoldering anticipation into an all-out eruption. The two guests go toe-to-toe in a solo showdown that ignites the crowd, with Twilight Muse laying down a relentless foundation of rhythm and soul that gives the moment its fire. It’s a daring opener that captures what makes this album tick; pure, unfiltered electricity.
Equally captivating is “The Mayor,” a fresh cut that sees the band leaning further into their groove-driven instincts. With New Orleans legend George Porter Jr. locking in on bass, the track becomes a strut-worthy slice of modern funk, bursting with swagger and soul. It’s a standout not just for the caliber of the guest, but for how effortlessly Twilight Muse keep up, proving they’re not just a jam band with flair, they’re shapeshifters with bite.
Fronted by the magnetic pairing of Meg Pollaro and Andrew Shapiro, the group balances lyrical depth with an unshakable sense of play. Their vocal interplay is textured and dynamic, while the full ensemble—featuring Alan Cockern, Joe Colgan, Rich Monopoli, Todd Nocera, and Simon Wasserberger—brings tight, fluid energy to each track. Whether diving into originals or revitalising beloved covers, the band navigates each twist with confidence and emotional precision.
With Collabs: Live at Garcia’s at The Cap, Twilight Muse show that they’re more than ready for the big stage, not just as a band with great songs, but as a band that can rise in the moment and elevate everyone around them. From reverent funk to swampy blues to their own undeniable voice, this is a live record that doesn’t just document a show, it captures a musical awakening.
Don’t sleep on the lead singles “Living for the City” and “The Mayor”, they’re proof that Twilight Muse are here to move both hearts and hips.
