Sunday 16 March 2014

Blue Pills - Live At Rockpalast - EP Review


Album Type:EP
Date Released: Feb 14th 2014
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Live At Rockpalast - Tracklisting:

01. In The Beginning
02. Black Smoke
03. Little Sun
04. Mind Exit

Bio:

It´s been a long, hard and winding road for mankind, but in December 2011 the moment we´ve all – yet unknowingly and yet unaware of our coming salvation – been waiting for finally saw the light of day. Elin Larsson, Cory Berry and Zack Anderson, all just in their early Twenties, formed a group which should quickly become one of the most acclaimed and interesting bands in music. Behold the birth of a new musical experience, an experience we thought was long gone, lost in time and space. Behold the birth of BLUES PILLS.

THE GROUND IS SHAKING UNDERNEATH ME | A SPINNING WORLD WITHOUT CONTROL

The young American-Swedish-French quartet create a very unique, intense and extraordinary rock atmosphere while at the same time having a major mainstream appeal that takes you right back to the time of BLUES PILLS’ ancestors Aretha Franklin, The Original Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Cream. Driving bass lines, grooving drums and guitar solos from another planet by the only 17 year old Dorian Sorriaux, harmonized and tied together with such easiness, such delight, by Elin’s incredible voice, sometimes singing in her mother tongue Swedish.

O´ DEVIL MAN, O´ DEVIL MAN | YOU’VE GOT BLACKNESS IN YOUR SOUL

With the idea to take soul music, combined with blues and rock’n’roll and turn it into a new force of unimaginable energy, intensity and freshness, their blonde archangel & soul-saviour Elin Larsson will guide you gently into a new world, the band´s empire of soulful rock; her beautiful voice seems to be taking you beyond the stars to an infinite universe on a journey that appears endless in time, yet profound and revealing. Elin´s powerful lyrics are full of emotions, her jazzy-soulful voice never falls into the trap of an aestheticization of kitsch, but unfolds an outstanding beauty itself with a refreshing new take on the timeless and unquestionably noble art of rock`n`roll, touching your soul.

GOD IS LIGHT TO THE POOR SOULS WHO DWELL IN NIGHT | TIME IS NOW, LIVE TODAY

Sit back and relax, take some BLUES PILLS and dive into their world of musical visionariness.

The highly-acclaimed EP „Devil Man“ was released on October 18 via Nuclear Blast and a Live EP including four tracks of the WDR Rockpalast concert is out now on 14th of February. Their eagerly awaited debut album is due in Summer 2014.

The Band Members

Elin Larsson - Vocals
Cory Berry - Drums
Dorian Sorriaux - Guitar
Zack Anderson - Bass

Review:

Last year, Blues Pills blew me away with their EP release; Devil Man. To hear that the band had a live EP in the offing was something that excited me.

There's a whole manner of studio wizardry available in the modern age to get the sound you want. If your any good, you'll be able to show your chops off in the live arena. Blues Pills excel on their live release.

The potent mix of fiery blues, soaring vocals and array of tempos is another bout of aural pleasure. Elin Larsson's voices oozes all kind of swagger and sass. This could quite well be a voice for the ages. Her tone is gorgeous throughout; whether it be tender or howling. Little Sun shows the tender side over a rolling drum and slow blues workout before the closing minute explodes into all out fury.

A special note has to be made of the guitar work on this album. In his late teens, Dorian Sorriaux is staking a claim to be one of the most exciting young guitarists on the planet. There is a moment on Mind Exit where he literally takes off in a blaze. From the little bit of crowd noise in the mix, it is clear that the crowd approve.

Whilst Sorriaux and Larsson take centre stage, the glue of the band; Cory Berry and Zack Anderson are equally adept on bass and drum duties. The drums are blunt and to the point which make for an edgy unpolished sound that has a looseness which allows the band to break out whenever appropriate. The bass is tight and drives each track along with the chosen tempo.

Blues Pills are a superb band. This live EP is a great statement of intent for a band on the up. Many of the tracks the band have put out would be worthy additions to many 60/70's blues or classic rock compilations. Blues Pills tour the UK in late April. Get your diaries out and check them out.

Dominic Walsh

Check The Band From Links Below


You can buy Live At Rockpalast EP from Nuclear Blast Records now.