Holy Moly!
Nuclear Blast, 2020
8/10
The midwestern outfit Blues Pills return with a 3rd album, where the band’s founding members, Elin Larsson and Zach Anderson, are in top form on these hard hitting and very impactful blues rockers.
“Proud Woman” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and a soulful, powerful delivery on the throwback rocker, and “Low Road” follows with a swift pace of bristling, melodic blues-rock that’s executed precisely and makes an immediate impression.
Elsewhere, “Rhythm In The Blood” pairs a fiery rhythm section with guitar acrobatics from Anderson on the psychedelic album highlight, while “Dust” trims the pace back with initially soft vocals that builds into an ebullient display, as the music pushes and pulls with lush tension anchored by the rhythm section of Kristoffer Schander (bass) and André Kvarnström (drums). Another strong track, “Wish I’d Known”, then radiates sublime beauty in the ballad atmosphere that ends up in fuller gospel territory.
Near the end, warm piano enters “Song From A Mourning Dove”, as some pretty high notes are hit by Larsson in the loud versus quiet dynamics, and “Longest Lasting Friend” exits the listen with bare beauty amid incredibly versatile singing.
Although they are certainly blues focused, there’s also funk, garage rock, soul, gospel and psyche-rock that’s drenched in retro fuzz on this exciting album that grabs you by the throat and holds on tight for the entire ride.
Travels well with: Crown Lands- Crown Lands; Greta Van Fleet- Anthem Of The Peaceful Army