Album Type: Full-Length
Date
Released: 20/3/2015
Label: Nuclear
Blast Records
‘Blues Pills
Live’ CD//DD//LP track listing:
1.
High Class Woman 5:44
2.
Ain't No Change 8:35
3.
Bliss 4:42
4.
Dig In 6:32
5.
Black Smoke 7:42
6.
Time Is Now 3:48
7.
No Hope Left For Me 4:15
8.
Devil Man 4:56
9.
Astralplane 5:11
10.
Little Sun 6:57
Blues Pills
is:
Elin Larsson | vocals
Dorian Sorriaux | guitars
Zack Anderson | bass
André Kvarnström| drums
Dorian Sorriaux | guitars
Zack Anderson | bass
André Kvarnström| drums
Review:
If
you don’t already know Blues Pills then I’m not sure how you landed at The
Sludgelord. Perhaps you Googled something like “pills for my blues”? If so,
then read on because Blues Pills are just that. At this point in time, the band
has a 7”, two EP’s, a live album, and a full length under their belt, making
them one helluva busy band. And just when you thought they were getting
comfortable riding the wave of last year’s full-length, they’ve given us
another pill to swallow, “Live at Freak Valley.” If you’ve been a fan of their
blues-infused retro rock up until now, then you’ll love –absolutely love – this
album.
“High
Class Woman” starts things off fervently and with reckless abandon. The high
octane rock n’ roll that the band has been touring Europe with constantly is
presented here all at once. The next hour of music that unfolds runs through
fan favorites like the drum-driven “Astralplane,” an extended version of “Black
Smoke,” and the obvious “Devil Man.” There is no let-up, no mercy; just plain
ol’ good times with loud rock n’ roll music. The musicianship stands at the
forefront and Blues Pills are selling it well, be it with Larsson’s growling,
and yes, sexy, delivery in “Time is Now,” or how “Bliss” demonstrates a
masterful handling of the wah pedal. This may just be the closest you’ll get to
that magical night at Madison Square Garden when Led Zeppelin laid down their
Song Remains The Same set. Yeah, I may be overselling it a little bit, but if
you already dig Blues Pills you’ll understand what I’m getting at.
In
short, Blues Pills was on fire at Freak Valley and demonstrated that they’re
not only good on record but their live act is also one to witness. On stage,
they handle their instruments with finesse but they would not have gotten so
far if it weren’t for their songs. Between all that guitar masturbation
and hippy freak outs, there are verses and choruses that flow beautifully into
one another. Their debut album encapsulated the song writing of the band
accurately and its this live set where you can hear these kids put their money
where their mouth is. Go see Blues Pills live, it’s worth it, but if you can’t
wait then throw this album on your turntable.
Words by: Victor van
Ommen
‘Blues
Pills Live’ is available everywhere now
For more
information:
