REDEMPTION Brody Buster (independent) *****
Well push me down and call me Susan, this dude plays some hellaciously ripping harmonica. Redemption, Brody Buster’s first album in 8 years, flat out rocks. If you’ve ever seen the Michael Keaton movie Jack Frost, this band feels like that group and I’m thoroughly digging his fire and brimstone blues.
Brody was just 7 when he picked up one of his mom’s harmonicas and he’s been playing professionally since the age of 12. He’s blown harp alongside many legends we recognize, and BB King himself said “Brody Buster is one of the greatest harmonica players of our time.” Because he started so young, Brody has over 30 years under his belt. His tale leading up to Redemption is a blues story if I’ve ever heard one; a series of bad decisions led him down the rabbit hole of addiction and so neglecting his music career too. After 5 years of this living hell and on the brink of death and losing everything, in late 2023 he made the decision to clean up and move to Missouri. Redemption is exactly what you’d expect it to be; music made by a man who has gotten a second chance and is determined to make the most out it.
Brody Buster isn’t just a harp player with a great blues voice, he’s a multi-instrumentalist; guitar, drums, harp, bass, placing 2nd at the 2017 Memphis Blues Challenge which led to a successful tour and his Damn! I Spilled The Blues one man band record. Redemption is a band effort, 9 bluesy originals that rock like crazy. His harp playing guitar work is quite expressive and the band’s performance serves Brody and these songs just right. If you only buy one blues album this spring it should be this one, no guff… this dude has the goods with room to spare.
HOT TRACKS: Can You Hear Me, This Time I Got The Blues, Protection From Your Affection
BIG DAVE & THE DUTCHMEN Big Dave & The Dutchmen (Naked) ****
Further proof that the blues is a worldwide language; this self-titled debut from the Belgian/ Dutch combo Big Dave & The Dutchmen, recorded in 2 days at Rabbit Field Studio in Antwerp. It’s a lively mix of blues styles that any aficionado of the genre will appreciate- I know I do.
BD & TD is a delicious mix of fifties Chicago blues with a twist, gospel, swing and swamp pop. Ranging between intimacy and a rockin’ good time there’s an overall relaxed, swing feel you wouldn’t expect from a debut album. Driven by the harmonica and husky vocals of David Reniers, the band also includes Mischa den Haring on guitar, Roel Spanjers on keys, Dusty Ciggar on bass & guitar with his brother Darryl on drums. These 11 numbers are played with groove and soul on top of the Ciggaar brothers flexible backbeat as the band puts on a display of blues history. The production by Stef Kamil Carlens is relaxed with no sharp edges to distract listeners from what’s really going on here; 5 guys digging deep and coming up with the goods.
With records like this it is readily apparent that Europe has quite a blues scene, perhaps even livelier than north America, but that’s hardly surprising… after all in the 60’s the blues had to go over there to be re-interpreted and sent back to this side of the pond before North American audiences began to appreciate it. The tunes are mostly original- through the writing and playing these guys have their blues down cold and authentic.
I’m sure Big Dave & The Dutchmen are kept busy on stages on that side of the Atlantic but based on what I’ve just heard today we need to see them at some of the blues festivals over here too. In the meantime, get your hands on this smokin’ debut… if you like the blues you’re gonna love this record, I guarantee it.
https://www.facebook.com/BigDaveAndTheDutchmen/#
HOT TRACKS: Never Love Again, Haring Daring, This Work
STYGIAN WAVS Envy Of None (Kscope/ Snapper Music) ****
This is the follow-up to Envy Of None’s 2023 self-titled debut. Stygian Waves shows the band moving and progressing past their initial footprint with satisfying results.
Stygian Waves is leagues away from what we expect from guitarist Alex Lifeson (Rush) and bassist Andy Curran (Coney Hatch). How boring would it be if they did what they’re already known for? When I reviewed their debut I used a quote from The Toronto Star that still applies to this album; “I’m different but the same person, and I’m much more rewarded by things that I do in the background than things I do in the forefront” Alex said. “Envy Of None is all about the service of the song, and creating beautiful things and really cool things to listen to.” Something that Rush fans will appreciate here too is that while this isn’t a guitar-centric band, Lifeson busting out the occasional solo… never showy, always in service of the song, as it should be.
Stygian Wavs is more dreamy textures with the occasional restrained show of rock muscle, a rather exciting mix. In a review on www.loudersound.com Alex is quoted as saying the album title, having its roots in Greek mythology, means “turbulence at the gates of hell”… an enticing idea, don’t you think? The overall vibe of Envy Of None is sort of a cross between The Cure and Pink Floyd, with an air of melodic mystery that will have you thinking “what’s next?” Maiah Wynne’s ethereal vocals and the keyboard textures and melodies from producer/ keyboardist Alfio Annibali in particular are trippy, captivating and enchanting.
As I said in that first review I’m delighted that this is very un-Rush like, and that Lifeson and his cohorts are creatively inspired to veer off in an entirely new direction. Envy Of None took some getting used to- preconceived expectations no doubt- but I took to Stygian Wavs right away. This is no rock star vanity project, the band is in it for the long haul and their future looks bright.
HOT TRACKS: Not Dead Yet, New Trip, Raindrops
LET’S CALL IT ROCK N’ ROLL Rock-Out (Frontiers) *****
Contrary to what some say, rock & roll is NOT dead. There’s cool stuff coming out of Switzerland and Rock-Out is just the latest, greatest example. Let’s Call It Rock N’ Roll, their 3rd album, captures the sleazy magic of the Sunset Strip. They embrace the raw energy of rock music in its purest form, and it’s glorious to hear.
This album takes rock & roll back to a time when simple catchy-as-hell riffs ruled the day, played with hard charging energy and no small amount of glee… these guys are having a great time and it shows. I’m reminded of great bands like LA Guns and early Bon Scott-era AC/DC, that energy and unmistakable rock & roll attitude. After many years- hell, decades- of robotic pre-fab pop and rock, it feels like the time for hairy, knuckle dragging rock & roll is coming around again in a big way. I didn’t have to work my way into LCIRNR, I was hooked right away; I haven’t been this turned on by a rock disc since I first heard Thundermother in ‘22.
I have yet to hear Rock-Out’s first two albums but this one feels like a real game changer that could catapult them onto the world stage. I don’t have production notes on this, but kudos to whoever was at the mixing desk for capturing the feral energy in all its glory, this is real lightning in a bottle stuff. The songs are short and to the point, very little in the way of showboating with 4 guys pulling mightily in the same direction. The catchy riffs, the economical yet emotional guitar solos, the raw vocals, the insistent and propulsive rhythm section make this one of the very best albums of the year to date and I’m flat-out LOVING it.
https://www.facebook.com/people/ROCK-OUT-Band/61559278076784/#
HOT TRACKS: The Boys Are Back, HCRNRSM (Hardcore Rock & roll Sex Machine), Pump It Up
