Break My Chains
Parc, 2026
9/10
The Transylvanian-born guitarist and singer-songwriter Alex Kilroy pens a different sort of American blues, where his Romanian roots are present across the 12 diverse tracks.
The bright mood of “Standing Tall” opens with Kilroy’s soaring pipes and warm guitar alongside Jarquis Dolphus’ animated drumming, and the title track follows with Leonard Douglas Jackson Jr.’s well timed keys that complement the grooves and power of the melodic delivery.
“All That Matters” arrives in the middle and brings grace and a dreaminess thanks to Berian Henri’s strategic bass, while “My Heart Is Yours” is a scrappy moment that showcases a frisky rhythm section and Kilroy’s colorful guitar in a way that could get you on the dance floor.
Close to the end, “Kilroy’s Ballad” emits thick guitar riffs in a 2 minute instrumental, and “Hard To Let You Go” exits with ambient keys amid the chugging rhythm section and Kilroy’s powerful pipes.
An excellent debut, Kilroy found Stevie Ray Vaughan at a young age and has turned that influence into a blues formula that welcomes classical, gospel and Southern nods.
Travels well with: The Nth Power- Never Alone; Del Roscoe- Del Roscoe