Within Tension
Under Pressure, 2025
9/10
This 7th album from the Canadian guitarist and songwriter Ross Neilsen brings grit and soulfulness to his inimitable brand of the blues, where several guests are along for the 10 authentic tracks.
The thick guitars and Jay Sheffield III’s pounding drums opens with the powerful blues of “Rock Ranger”, and “Best For You” follows with a playful groove thanks to Neilsen’s buzzing guitar and John C. Stubblefield’s flowing bass.
At the halfway point, “Come To Be” trims the pace back with intimate singing and warm acoustic guitar, while “Devil’s Picasso” thumps with a bouncy energy that’s dance floor ready and benefits from Rick Steff’s rowdy keys.
Moving closer to the end, ”Good Enough” enlists Marc Franklin’s glowing trumpet to the careful delivery that’s heartfelt, and “Bold And Beaten” exits with a soft ambience of poetic and stirring songwriting.
Neilsen knows his way around a song you won’t soon forget, and in both loud, booming bouts and gentle ebbs he fleshes out some top notch, modern blues.
Travels well with: Ron Houston- R.O.A.M.; Jon Hines- Memphis Sun