Lil' Red & The Rooster's "Mr Saboteur" is Playful, Poetic and Unapologetically Theatrical

The title track of Lil’ Red & The Rooster’s latest release, the Mr. Saboteur EP, is more than just a clever introduction to their forthcoming album 7.

It’s the heartbeat of a four song collection that dances between groove, grit and deeply human storytelling. “Mr. Saboteur (aka Do the Donut)” sets the tone with its sly humor, soulful swagger and musical finesse, perfectly embodying the EP’s mission - to blend theatrical flair with blues authenticity and global sensibility.

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On its own, “Mr. Saboteur” is a standout - it's funky, narrative-driven and emotionally layered. But in the context of the full EP, the song becomes a central thread that ties together the emotional arcs of the other tracks.

While “Is This Heart Taken” digs into sultry vulnerability and longing and “Melancholy Mood” leans into introspective, torch song territory, “Mr. Saboteur” strikes a striking balance: it’s theatrical yet grounded, playful yet poignant.

Lyrically, the track personifies the voice in our heads that keeps us from showing up fully in life - a character brought deliciously to life by guest vocalist Jeff Morrow (Empire).

Morrow’s vocals turn as the silky, smooth-talking saboteur is unforgettable. He doesn’t just play a role. He embodies it, swaggering across the sonic stage with sly charisma, seduction, and a dose of mischief. His interplay with Jennifer “Lil’ Red” Milligan creates an irresistible call-and-response dynamic that feels like musical theatre meets late-night blues jam.

Milligan, as ever, is the soul of the song. Her phrasing is impeccable - wry, expressive, and full of character. She doesn’t just sing about Mr. Saboteur; she engages him, confronts him and ultimately reclaims her agency with grace and swing. It’s blues storytelling at its best, infused with just enough jazz and vintage soul to keep the mood sophisticated yet fun.

Pascal Fouquet’s guitar work is another star in the mix, effortlessly blending American blues idioms with his refined French sensibility. He lays down crisp, swinging riffs and subtle, expressive flourishes that enrich the song without overpowering it.

Framed within the EP, “Mr. Saboteur” is not just a standout track—it’s the EP’s anchor. It injects levity and theatrical energy into a sequence that explores vulnerability, longing, empowerment, and reflection. Taken together, the four songs form a complete narrative arc - with "Mr Saboteur" marking the turning point between inner struggle and soulful reclamation.

One of the greatest strengths of the track (and the EP as a whole) is how it challenges the idea that blues must be confined to a specific sound or era.

Lil’ Red & The Rooster treat blues very much as a living language. One that can hold theatrical dialogue, jazz sophistication, emotional nuance and humor all in one breath.

“Mr. Saboteur” brings all of these elements into play, showing that true blues isn't about being stuck in tradition. It's about speaking truth through the music of the moment.

In short, “Mr. Saboteur” is both a conversation starter and a foot-tapper. A clever, sultry gem that sits at the intersection of showmanship and soul.

It perfectly encapsulates the essence of Lil' Red & The Rooster as defying genres, being emotionally intelligent and always grooving with heart.

As the centerpiece of an already rich EP, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of Lil’ Red & The Rooster: genre-defying, emotionally intelligent, and always grooving with heart.

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