For their third full-length studio album Holy Moly!, Sweden's Blues Pills have once again teamed up with Nuclear Blast Records, though the big difference here is that long time lead guitarist Dorian Sorriaux has left the band, and replaced by former bassist now guitarist Zack Anderson, whose spot on bass is now filled by new member Kristoffer Schander. Rounding out the line-up is lead vocalist Elin Larsson and drummer André Kvarnström. While the bands self-titled 2014 debut showed a formidable young group steeped in heavy blues rock tradition, their sophomore effort Lady in Gold, dabbled in more soulful, psychedelic territory. Here, Holy Moly! combines the two for a fun, exhilarating listen that has plenty of appeal for more modern listeners yet will still keep those lovers of '70s musical styles happy.
"Proud Woman" kicks things off with an upbeat slice of psychedelic soul, Larsson sounding not unlike the incomparable Beth Hart with her commanding delivery as the band fires up plenty of funky sounds. "Low Road" and "Dreaming My Life Away" go back towards '70s bluesy heavy rock, the latter even having some doom elements, Anderson's guitar taking on lots of fuzzy tones, while "California" is a breezy mix of rootsy blues and pop, and in a perfect world has 'hit single' written all over it. Larsson is a revelation here, her vocals emotional and quite powerful. "Rhythm in the Blood" will appeal to fans of retro rock acts such as The White Stripes and Wolfmother, chock full of meaty rhythms and fuzz-laden guitar riffs, and "Dust" again reveals the talents of Larsson, reminding of Beth Hart's outstanding bluesy collaborations with Joe Bonamassa. The band gets all funky with some fat bass and wah-wah guitars on the raucous "Kiss My Past Goodbye", and "Bye Bye Birdy" is groovy '70s blues rock with a big dose of psychedelia, the bass & guitar riffs huge with Larsson soaring over the top. Fans of the more soulful side of the band will love the dreamy blues numbers "Song From a Mourning Dove", "Wish I'd Known", and "Longest Lasting Friend", each one filled with tremendous vocals and tasty musical accompaniment.
With a great mix of musical styles and jaw dropping vocals, Holy Moly! is an absolute winner from Blues Pills, a band that, in a perfect world, would be absolute superstars on every level.
Track Listing
01. Proud Woman
02. Low Road
03. Dreaming My Life Away
04. California
05. Rhythm In The Blood
06. Dust
07. Kiss My Past Goodbye
08. Wish I'd Known
09. Bye Bye Birdy
10. Song From A Mourning Dove
11. Longest Lasting Friend
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