Bobby Mahoney returns with a new single, “Smoke and Drive,” paired with a cover of Social Distortion’s “Machine Gun Blues.” The release finds the Asbury Park songwriter and his band channeling nostalgia, grit, and heart through a rock-and-roll lens that’s both timeless and unmistakably Jersey.
“‘Smoke and Drive’ was the title of a demo recording that [producer/songwriter] Matty Carlock sent me last year,” says Mahoney. “It was drums and guitars, and he had me write a melody and lyrics to the track. The song just screamed nostalgia to me — driving around with friends in high school or college on highways and single-lane back roads. We had a great time ironing the song and production out with Matty and with Geoff Sanoff in NYC. Mark Masefield (Dave Hause, Will Hoge, Outside The Box) plays keys on the track and adds a beautiful dimension. We hope it reminds you of that time when…”
On the B-side, Mahoney and his band tackle Social Distortion’s “Machine Gun Blues,” a fan-favorite live cover that finally found its way into the studio.
“We love Social Distortion and have had fun covering ‘Machine Gun Blues’ live for a few years now,” Mahoney explains. “I think I first saw them play it on Conan a few years ago. It felt like the right time to ‘pull the trigger’ on it, along with ‘Smoke and Drive.’ Shout out to Social D!”
The recordings feature Mahoney’s core lineup — James McIntosh (drums), Andrew Saul (guitars, backing vocals), Jon Chang-Soon (bass, backing vocals), and Mark Masefield (keys) — with Matty Carlock and Geoff Sanoff contributing backing vocals. Mahoney adds, “Brian Legentil (LKFCT) is our new live bass player and will be on the rest of the record. Nothing but love for Jon Chang-Soon (JC Soon).”
Carlock, who co-produced the single, is a New Jersey native working between LA and NYC with artists across pop, hip-hop, punk, and hardcore. Masefield, whose keys can also be heard on both new tracks, is a veteran player known for his work with Dave Hause, Will Hoge, and Outside The Box.