Blind River were on the SOPHIE stage at Bloodstock last year (anyone else when we used to have festivals?), and got in touch recently to tell us that they have their second album due for release this month. I am very glad they did.
The moment the first pounding notes of “Waste of Life” hit my speakers, I knew what I was in for – down and dirty southern rock. Imagine Black Stone Cherry awash with gravel and you’re about there. Foot stomping rhythms, chugging riffs, throaty vocals… the country influences are obvious, and Blind River know how to take the genre and make the most of it.
However, much as the opening track is a wonderful, adrenalised kick up the arse it’s not even the best song on the album. The title track which follows is even better, “Horsehead” should be released as a single and the closing song, “No Surprise”, is the bastard child of Molly Hatchet and early Guns n’ Roses when Axl was still angry.
There’s not a dull moment, and about the only thing that Blind River have “missed” is a ballad. There are faster tracks, and slower ones (such as “Burn the Sun”), but at no point does the groove or funk ever let up. This is a great collection of songs and deserves a place on the shelves, virtual or otherwise, of anyone who’s a fan of this style of rock n’ roll.
Made of Dirt is out on May 25th
Blind River: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube | bandcamp
