What Key Is Trouble In?
VizzTone, 2023
10/10
Listen to What Key Is Trouble In?
The guitarist and vocalist Nick Schnebelen is no stranger to accolades, and these 13 animated and memorable tunes will certainly bring him more, as Adam Hagerman (drums), Cliff Moore (bass), Red Young (keyboards), Buddy Leach (sax) and Aaron Mayfield (organs) are along for the bluesy affair.
“Ten Years After, Fifty Years Later” starts the listen with thumping drums, driving guitar and gritty yet tuneful singing in the charged blues rocker, and the title track follows with moody organ and spirited guitar, as much power and emotion enters the rugged climate.
Further on, “Hard Driving Woman” brings a firm presence of soaring and raw blues, while “Pain Aside” bops and shakes with an infectious energy of rhythm and grooves that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.
Moving towards the end, “Big Mean Dog” recruits a thick, grungy appeal that really allows Schnebelen’s guitar acrobatics to shine, and “People Worry About Me” exits the listen with distorted, buzzing guitars, where the blues are layered precisely and firmly.
If you’ve got an ear for anything blues related and you haven’t yet familiarized yourself with Schnebelen, I wouldn’t waste another minute, cause there are few people today making blues-rock as excellent as this.
Travels well with: The Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat; Ben Levin- Take Your Time