Gritty Guitars and Delta Groove: Phil Doublet’s ‘Saltwater Stomp’ is Pure Antipodean Swamp Rock
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist: Phil Doublet Title: “Saltwater Stomp” Release: July 2025 Genre: Instrumental Blues, Country, Americana
The New Zealand musician Phil Doublet, a multi-award-winning artist and master of the Country and Blues genres, has once again demonstrated his deep understanding of Americana roots with his latest instrumental single, “Saltwater Stomp.” Far removed from the lyrical narratives of his country successes, Doublet here dives into a raw, atmospheric soundscape that directly recalls the humid, hot swamps of the American Delta.
Swampy Cajun Vibes
“Saltwater Stomp” is, as Doublet himself describes, a “swampy Cajun tune” whose rhythm is intended to evoke the stomping of a saltwater crocodile in the tropical north of Australia. And indeed: the song delivers a pulsating, earthy energy. The piece is an ode to the groove, driven by a rhythm section composed of local New Zealand musicians: Andy Gilmour on bass and Anton Harris on drums lay down an irresistible, loose, yet relentless rhythm that perfectly implements the “Stomp” aspect.
The true star next to Doublet’s skillful guitar playing, however, is David Thorpe on the Blues Harp. His harmonica playing is rough, hoarse, and urgent, creating a ghostly expanse and lending the track its unmistakable “Swamp” character. It’s like listening to a lonely train in the distance while sitting deep in the wilderness.
Instrumental Mastery
Doublet’s guitar work is typically immaculate, but here it is deliberately restrained to emphasize texture and feeling, not just virtuosity. His guitar licks are concise, dirty, and rhythmic, sometimes almost percussive, and they seamlessly weave themselves into the melody dominated by the harp. The piece is an excellent example of how an instrumental can tell a complete story without any words.
“Saltwater Stomp” is not a pleasing pop number; it is an uncompromising demonstration of blues craftsmanship and atmospheric songwriting. It proves that Phil Doublet, even though he is best known for Country, remains a genre-crossing Journeyman who feels just as effortlessly comfortable in the mouldy depths of the blues. A must-listen for all fans of deep, instrumental Americana and raw rockabilly-blues.