Hard Line
Liberation Hall, 2026
9/10
The Blasters released this 4th album in 1985, which had Phil Alvin and crew tweaking their sound for a more contemporary feel. Long out of print, this re-release sees the record accompanied by new liner notes by Chris Morris, and with band interviews and rare photos.
The bouncy and rootsy flavor or “Trouble Bound” opens with Phil’s distinct voice alongside soulful backing vocals and Bill Batemans’s playful drums, and “Just Another Sunday’ follows with Dave Alvin’s flowing guitar that complements the crisp delivery and fuller sound quality.
The middle spot belongs to “Little Honey”, where a softer climate welcomes fiddle amid the intimate singing, while “Samson And Delilah” uses call and response vocals for the gospel influenced bout that’s sparse on instruments.
“Common Man” and “Rock And Roll Will Stand” exit the listen. The former thumps via the retro rock’n’roll spirit that makes great use of John Bazz’s bass and the Alvin’s sturdy guitars, and the latter allows for Gene Taylor’s rowdy keys to fuel to the dance floor energy that will get your body movin’ and groovin’.
An album that’s often a bit more muscular than their work before it, the album hit the charts but would be the last with the original line up. An important piece of the early roots rock sound, John Doe’s contributions won’t go unnoticed, and the myriad of influences sure are appreciated.
Travels well with: The Blasters- American Music; The Blasters- The Complete Concert