RSS Feed


BLUES PILLS
Blues Pills

Nuclear Blast (2014)
Rating: 8.5/10

Blues Pills is an American / Swedish / French rock ’n’ roll band. In fact, one could argue that Blues Pills are the best new “classic” rock band out there. While it’s certainly an oxymoron to call a new band comprised of members that are only in the early 20s “classic” rock, Blues Pills draw their water from the well of bands like the pre-Buckingham and Nicks Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Bill Withers and Jimi Hendrix. This debut full-length follows the critically praised Devil Man EP (2013).

‘High Class Woman’ starts things off right with a galloping bass line held down by a fluid and understated rhythm and cutting guitars. The band primarily use vocalist Elin Larsson’s voice to make it wail before jamming the hell out of the chorus. It’s a great, albeit very, very Janis Joplin, way to establish the fact that they are here to rock. ‘Ain’t No Change’ has that same wailing factor but the underlying rhythm gives it a bit of a 70s Brooklyn dance vibe.

There are a lot of really strong elements to this album in addition to its powerful beginning though. ‘Devil Man’ takes a darker turn, offering more of a groove and some serious wailing on Larsson’s part. It’s a bit evolved from the EP version, embracing the rock ’n’ roll side a bit more than the blues heavy original version. ‘Black Smoke’ is another highlight, starting off with a deep respect for traditional blues before bursting into a more rollicking sound that culminates with the band nearly entering jam band territory (which they do a few times throughout the album). The band increase the intrigue with the intimate and sparse ‘Little Sun’ which has a bit of a country feel (think Lynyrd Skynyrd ballads) musically, but maintains its blues status through Larsson’s vocal work.

I truly enjoy this album, however, it’s plagued a bit by the same thing that makes it great. It sounds like all the greats. Maybe too much like them sometimes. As much as I like to take a trip back to the greatest generation of rock ’n’ roll, that generation is long past. There are two ways to view this record as far as I’m concerned. You can either give Blues Pills credit for stellar musicianship and catchy as hell songwriting, or you can call them derivative. Both are true, it’s all about how much that bothers, or doesn’t bother, you.

When all is said and done, if you like the aforementioned bands from yesteryear or you love the new-fangled classic sounds of Rival Sons, Scorpion Child and Alabama Shakes, then Blues Pills should not be missed!

Mark Fisher

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share