Hot off the griddle, Cookin’ The Books is the long-awaited new album from Australia’s kings of Hammond soul, Cookin’ On 3 Burners. Their first studio LP in six years finds the trio in top form - deep in the pocket, wide in scope and stacked with heavyweight collaborators.
The album features a powerful guest lineup including electrifying live vocalist Stella Angelico, acclaimed soul artist Natalie Slade (Steve Spacek, Katalyst, Simon Mavin), hip hop mainstay Mantra alongside Jane Tyrrell (The Herd), rising alt-soul voice Wilson Blackley and a sweeping string arrangement from composer/violinist Tamil Rogeon (Aloe Blacc, The Dandy Warhols).
Across 14 tracks and just over 55 minutes, the group shifts seamlessly between gritty instrumentals and lush vocal cuts - from the cinematic funk of “Only Words,” to the break-beat heavy title track “Cookin’ The Books,” the bumping bounce of “No Bread For You,” and the introspective soul of “Phoenix.” Every track reflects the group’s deep funk DNA while carving out bold new territory.
Captured live to tape at Soul Messin’ Studios using vintage instruments and analogue gear, the album is rich in texture and vibe - full of grit, groove, and the warmth of true performance. Modern production techniques were layered in tastefully, creating a timeless but forward-facing sound.
“This album is a culmination of six years of jamming, sharing ideas, and collaborating with some of Australia’s finest musicians,” says Jake Mason. “We wanted to honour our roots, but also push things into new spaces. It’s raw, soulful, and built from the ground up.”
The album cover, designed by modern soul futurist Jaffa features warm tones and classic aesthetics mirroring the inviting, soulful, and distinctly analog sonic palette of Cookin' The Books.
The release also follows renewed attention on the group’s breakout track “This Girl” (originally from 2009’s Soul Messin’ album), which was recently featured in a scene of Jurassic World: Rebirth. With over 2 billion global streams, countless syncs, and co-signs from tastemakers like Craig Charles (BBC6), Dusty Groove, Wax Poetics, and Rolling Stone Australia, Cookin’ On 3 Burners continue to shape the sound of global funk.
An international tour is scheduled for 2026, with dates planned across Australia, Europe and the UK. The band’s signature live energy - driven by organ, drums, and guitar - has earned them a reputation for one of the tightest and most electrifying soul shows around.
Catch Cookin' On 3 Burners live on PBS when they join Lyndelle on The Afterglow for an intimate Studio 5 Live session. Tune in on Wednesday November 12 from 5pm.
