Sometimes a single is enough to sell you an album. Sometimes, so much so that you just have to go and buy the album on the strength of that single, instead of asking the artist for a free copy. Simply because you can get the album faster. And iTunes delivery time is rather fast!
So why all the speed and haste? Well I am no Blues aficionado, but I am rather partial to some Blues guitar. And when you start mentioning Tom Waits and Peter Green, then you just know that there is something special. Then I listened to “Demons” on Bandcamp, the rough vocals, the guitar work, overdriven as well as clean, and I was hooked. There was the pain sometimes heard in the early Tom Waits Ballads, but also the rough distorted vocals from his later work.
But did the rest of the album stand up to the strength of “Demons”? In short; for this listener, an emphatic Yes. The album opens with “Turning” and sets the scene perfectly, and the drums punctuate the guitar licks. “Sleepless Nights” lets loose the harmonica, in between a foot tapping rhythm; and the ratt-a-tatt of the sticks.
The tempo is turned down full on “Nightmares” and the gruff vocals come across fairly sedately, but also get pushed and match the mood superbly. Musically “Trial by Fire” is lighter, yet it is Mr. Hunters vocals that bring the atmosphere and add depth to the proceedings.
“See You In Hell” is a great track whose laid back stance is only enhanced with the harmonica, and comes across as a more percussion-driven track. It has a certain roughness that just keeps you hooked.
This album ticked an number of boxes for me, and there is no doubt as to the reasons the single “Demons” reached number one in the UK Blues Chart. At times the album comes across as simple, and there is beauty in that simplicity, but on the other hand there are times where there is plenty happening. From the varying guitar styles through to the vocals, which although possessing that rough and ready style; convey just about everything from the softer to the almost aggressive.
Now, the album is not just copies of “Demons”, and there is more than enough variance to engage the listener and showcase the skill here. Although “Demons” is the crowning track on the album – it may not be everyone’s take on the Blues, but it is definitely a proud addition to any CD collection that yearns for the original.
“Songs for the Weary” was released on February 10th, and is available on iTunes.
Track Listing
Turning
Demons
Sleepless Nights
Nightmares
Trial By Fire
Hurricane
Witches & Wolves
Truce
See You In Hell
Flaws
Chains
Links
http://www.robertjhunter.co.uk
http://www.twitter.com/rjhuntermusic
http://www.facebook.com/robertjhuntermusic
http://www.instagram.com/rjhuntermusic
Spectra Music Group: http:/www.spectramusicgroup.com
info@spectramusicgroup.com
Arcadium Entertainment – Bookings
http://www.arcadiumentertainment.com
Words by Jon “Dept. Of Late reviews”.
