26/11/2025
BOBBY MAHONEY - BURNING BRIGHT.
Bobby Mahoney has become a standout force within New Jersey, and Asbury Park’s ever-active music community, earning respect through grit, passion, and a stage presence that refuses to be ignored. He’s shared bills with notable figures including Frank Turner, Steve Earle, Dave Hause, and Against Me!, and has stepped into major spotlight moments—opening for Bon Jovi and trading riffs with Bruce Springsteen during several Light Of Day Music Festivals supporting vital neurological research. His reach extends far beyond New Jersey, with electric performances at SXSW festivals as part of Wicked Cool Records showcase at Austin, Texas, at the iconic Continental Club.
Growing up between the Jersey Shore and New York City’s cultural magnetism, Bobby absorbed the region’s Classic Rock spirit and fused it with the intensity of modern Punk influences such as The Gaslight Anthem, The Menzingers, and Against Me! Rather than diving headfirst into any early opportunity, he invested years refining his craft, shaping a sound that balances raw drive with seasoned songwriting.
His band—Andrew Saul on guitar and vocals, Jon Chang-Soon on bass, James McIntosh on drums, along with studio work from Mark Masefield on keys, with Matty Carlock and Geoff Sanoff providing backing vocals—delivers sharp musicianship and undeniable chemistry. Their combined energy elevates every performance, creating shows that are both immediate and emotionally resonant, while their precision ensures each note hits with clarity and impact in the studio.
Signing with Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records marked a major milestone, leading to the release of his debut album "Another Deadbeat Summer." Now, with the new single "Smoke and Drive" alongside a bold bonus track cover of Social Distortion’s "Machine Gun Blues," Bobby continues to build momentum, positioning himself for an even brighter future.
In a recent interview, I asked him to tell me more about the single, and the reasons behind the B side, he told me:
"It was a rough demo producer/songwriter Matty Carlock sent me, built on drums and guitars, and I shaped the melody and lyrics around it. It instantly sparked memories of late-night drives with friends on back roads and highways. Working with Matty and Geoff Sanoff in New York refined its sound, with Mark Masefield’s keys adding depth. For the B-side, we finally recorded our long-enjoyed live cover of Social Distortion’s “Machine Gun Blues,” inspired after seeing it performed on Conan."
And that brings me nicely to the featured single - "Smoke And Drive."
This track roars with restless momentum, capturing the urge to flee familiar chaos and chase something cleaner on the open road. Beneath the swagger and middle finger attitude lies vulnerability, clinging to bittersweet memories that refuse to fade. The driving rhythm mirrors a journey fuelled by heartbreak, solidarity, and reckless hope. It’s a cathartic blast for anyone craving release, blending grit and emotional weight into a defiant anthem for those determined to outrun the past.
To close, this single won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage. So why not clear a space, and give the Bobby Mahoney a try for 2025.
Star Rating 10/10
Ian Davies International Music Journalist – Stargazer Music Magazine.
www.stargazermusicmagazine.co.uk
________________________________
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wPM6uz1qVXA
SINGLE: https://open.spotify.com/album/335uxtwOyVsPs3zLFRKDht
Bobby Mahoney was brought to Stargazer Music Magazine by Earshot Media, California, in association with Wicked Cool Records, New York.
______________________________
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
