Woodbeez might hail from Hannover, Germany, but their debut album, “Pony Love”, feels like it was born under the California sun. Steeped in the smooth grooves of late ’70s and early ’80s yacht rock, jazz, and R’n’B, this record delivers a sonic love letter to an era when slick production, intricate musicianship, and laid-back harmonies reigned supreme. Think Steely Dan’s precision, Michael McDonald’s soulfulness, and the jazzy sophistication of Pages – all reimagined with a modern sensibility that never feels like pastiche.
Fronted by film composer Ritchie Staringer, Woodbeez began as a side project to escape the solitude of studio work. What started as a casual jam evolved into something far more ambitious: a full-fledged band dedicated to bringing the West Coast AOR sound back into the spotlight. Pony Love, out March 21, 2025, is the culmination of that journey, a record that effortlessly bridges the gap between nostalgia and contemporary musical craftsmanship.
From the moment the title track, “Pony Love,” eases in with buttery harmonies and a groove so smooth it practically glistens, it’s clear that Woodbeez are more than just revivalists. They understand the DNA of this music—every bassline, every horn stab, every keyboard flourish feels intentional and steeped in authenticity.
“Undeniable” follows with a smooth blend of soulful vocals and shimmering guitar work, while “Sooner More Than Later” leans into classic West Coast pop, its chorus tailor-made for sunset drives along the Pacific Coast Highway (or at least its German equivalent).
The second half of the album shifts gears slightly. “Tell Me” and “Figure It Out” showcasing the band’s ability to blend tight jazz-inflected arrangements with accessible melodies. “Stay” closes the record on a heartfelt note, its warm vocal harmonies a perfect send-off, reminiscent of the golden era of jazzy AOR radio.
Woodbeez aren’t just paying tribute to their influences – they’re proving they belong in the same conversation. The musicianship across “Pony Love” is impeccable. Singers Nick Fouse and Rafiandi Giri captivate with their jazzy, soulful vocals, effortlessly blending richness and charm. Staringer’s keys lay a lush foundation, while the rhythm section (Jacco Herrhaus on bass and Tobi Reckfort on drums) locks in effortlessly. The guitars (handled by Nic Reinicke, Joel Waldt, and Johann Horst) add just the right amount of tasteful solos and textures. And then there’s the brass section, featuring Gary Winters on trumpet and Sebastian Schulte on trombone, injecting that essential yacht rock opulence.
In recent years, West Coast AOR fans has found itself back in the cultural conversation, with artists like Young Gun Silver Fox keeping the flame alive. “Pony Love” places Woodbeez firmly in this resurgence, proving that the genre’s timeless appeal isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a sound that still resonates.
Whether you’re an old-school devotee of the West Coast sound or a Yacht Rock newcomer drawn to its effortless cool, “Pony Love” is an album worth spinning. So grab a cocktail, lean back, and let Woodbeez take you on a ride where the harmonies are golden, the grooves are deep, and the love is, indeed, undeniable.
Photo: Lucca Pawlik