The Budos Band on making psych-funk for end times

Hailing from Staten Island, New York, The Budos Band have been a huge name in soul, making music and fusing rock with afrobeat for more than 20 years.

They’re back with their first full-length since 2020’s Long in the Tooth, titled simply VII.

Now boasting nine people in their ensemble, Em from Drivetime caught up with their drummer (and one of the longest serving members) Brian Profilio.

One reviewer described their latest record as psych-funk for end times and Em started out by asking Brian whether the apocalypse was on the group’s mind when they began work on the new album.