Sunday 17 November 2013

Blues Pills - Devil Man EP (Review)



Album Type : EP
Date Released : 18/10/2013
Label : Nuclear Blast
Devil Man EP, track listing

1. Devil Man 4:32
2. The River 3:19
3. Time Is Now 3:31
4. Dig In 5:32

Bio :

Conjuring and reinforcing the long-lost spirit of their ancestors - Aretha Franklin, THE ORIGINAL FLEETWOOD MAC, LED ZEPPELIN, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and CREAM - BLUES PILLS are about to take the universe by storm.  The unconsciously und unknowingly waiting mankind is finally facing its salvation, as a gathering of some incredibly young souls, by the name of Elin Larsson, Cory Berry and Zack Anderson, saw the birth of BLUES PILLS in December 2011. Hardly seeing the face of the earth, BLUES PILLS have become one of the most interesting and talked about bands in the global music scene instantaneously.

The American-Swedish-French quartet inhabits its very own, intense and extraordinary sphere of Rock, adjoining the bluesy roots, yet at the same time having a major mainstream appeal, reminiscing the days of their progenitors of the 60s and 70s. Driving bass lines, grooving drums and out-of-this-world-guitar solos by the only 18-year-old Dorian Sorriaux, harmonized and merged together with such easiness, such delight, by the outstanding voice of Elin Larsson, sometimes even in her mother tongue Swedish.

With their idea of combining Soul with Blues and Rock’n’Roll, obtaining a unique blend of their own, BLUES PILLS have caused quite a stir in the international underground. Blonde soul-saviour Elin Larsson will gently guide mankind towards a new world and beyond the stars to the jazzy depth of the universe. Their journey through time and space has now led BLUES PILLS to signing a worldwide record deal with Nuclear Blast, who are looking to release the band’s new 4-track EP »Devil Man« in digisleeve and vinyl format on October 18, 2013.

The Band

Elin Larsson | vocals
Dorian Sorriaux | guitar 
Zack Anderson | bass

Cory Berry | drums

Review :

With a howl that would give any man the heebie-jeebies’, Blues Pills’ singer Elin Larsson kicks of this EP on behalf of the band with the title track Devil Man. Her solo, howling vocal at the start is something to behold. It drips in soulful goodness and has unbelievable swagger. When the music kicks in, the track is a crunching blues workout with the vocals very much at the forefront. Guitarist, Dorrian Sorriaux is thrown into the mix early doors with his solo work. The pace and tempo quickens throughout, leading to the entire band vying for prominence in the mix.

 Like many blues releases, there needs to be a song about a river, and going down to the river! Blues Pills do not disappoint with their effort. Some superb slide guitar work and a hypnotic, slower tempo make for a superb concoction. Again, the vocals are impassioned and rousing. After the slower pace of The River, Time Is Now follows with a more urgent pace and opens up with a blazing solo that again just makes you sit up and listen. When the track hits its groove it drives forward with the bass fuzzy, and the cymbals crashing.  The track plays out with more glorious solo work, and stirring vocals.

The closing track of the EP, Dig In, is a slow blues number where again the vocals take centre stage. Dig In feels like it is in two parts. The first few minutes stick to the formula of classic blues, before an up tempo wig out for the last minute or so where the soloing is frenetic along with the rhythm section. Dig In is a superb ending to an undoubted highlight of a short, but incredibly sweet EP.

The work of the band throughout as a collective is fantastic. The aforementioned guitar work is excellent throughout, and the rhythm section of Zach Anderson (Bass) and Cory Berry (Drums) hold together the sound like the tightest of adhesives. The vocals are completely mind blowing throughout. The whole EP is a joy. Buy it. You won’t be disappointed.

Words by : Dominic Walsh

You can buy it here

For more information :

www.bluespills.com
www.facebook.com/BluesPills
www.youtube.com/user/BluesPills
www.nuclearblast.de/bluespills