Review: New Blues Revolution

New Blues Revolution is a hybrid blues outfit from Long Beach CA. They are doing their own thing with the blues adding elements of 80s metal ballads, funk, country and even a little grunge. I find it refreshing that a blues group is doing their own thing with the genre as it keeps it interesting (although the blues purists out there will surely bristle at it). 

The first number is Let Me Go. It is straight blues rock with an added touch of 80’s hard rock ballad sensibilities which suits it quite well oddly enough. The vocals are deep and growling and very at home for a rock band and lends gravity to this genre of blues music. What sells it is that is not overplayed or self-indulgent like the 80s music tended to be. Definitely a bit of pain and some sorrow in there. There is a slight element of The Cult in the sound, but it’s more subdued and tasteful but make no mistake, it is a blues song and yes, the purist will argue that point, but they clearly aren’t making music for the blues Nazis out there and thank the good lord for that.

Blue Revolution is the next track and it is a straight funk n blues number. It’s fairly standard but has a great feel to it that keeps my head bobbin on the highway. But out of nowhere comes a sweet Joe Satriani-esque solo…so tasteful and sweet and really ties the piece together. That combined with a tight bass line makes it quite the worthy track.

Next we come to the Big House which is the country blues number bordering on a string band. It reminds me of being on the run form the fuzz at a little road house in the desert. It’s laid back and has the sound of a man who has been through the ringer and needs some down time. Slow and low, that’s how this song lays it all out. Very delta blues.

Sway is the next number and immediately takes me to a sunset on the beach on a warm summer night having drinks with a beautiful woman…so sweet and uncomplicated yet it has soul. It is comprised of very simple chord changes and rhythms that settle nicely in the ears.

Take Me To The River is a great Talking Heads cover that is uniquely performed and has that chugging laid back soulful sound that is the hallmark of New Blues Revolution.

Blueline closes it out and is definitely a straight up blues number with some great changes and has an almost a Dr. John feel crossed with Great White. It’s unmistakably unique and rocking at the same time. These boys have crafted a great tune.

What I like most about New Blues Revolution is their unrelenting authenticity and remarkable musicianship they bring to their music. These guys clearly mean to make music their own way and really don’t seem to care what those blues purists have to say about it which is a good thing; no one ever made anything new trying to replicate the past.

The rhythm section is solid, the guitar is tasteful when it needs to be and dynamic when it calls for it. The end result is an album of well-crafted songs played with heart, soul and an integrity that is impossible to deny. The actual album could use a bit more mastering but these guys clearly love what they do and have an innate sensibility that is evident in every track and is had to ignore. I can easily say that what little is lacking in production value is easily made up for in the quality and pure emotion on the songs themselves, which are quite infectious for a lover of blues rock, like myself.

3.75 out of five biscuits, with a heaping pile of sausage gravy smothered all over for the sheer enjoyability of the music itself.