Author: Steven Ovadia

This is an impressive EP in that Ranky Tanky is able to put across a sound that many of us don’t have a convenient mental shorthand for.

It sounds like Rein was born on a blues club stage with a guitar in her hands and a rocking band behind her.

Manx Marriner Mainline might have roots in the blues, but some of the album’s nicer moments are when they take the blues and gospel in more personal directions.

Guitar players will love TeleMasters because it’s chock full of impressive playing. Not just the number of notes everyone can fit in, but the choice of notes, and perhaps most importantly, the feeling and emotion behind them.

Pejak’s “Nature of the Blues,” the album’s lead-off track, is a 60s surf-inspired song, with vocals that purr and funky electric piano from another era.

The album, captured at the 2016 Ramblin’ Man Fair in Maidstone, UK, has the loose energy of a live show, but the band is as tight as a military operation. Like they’re storming the English shores while also finding time to see some sights.

‘Heartland and Soul’ is the debut release from an artist drawing upon a lot of experience, and the result is a well-crafted album that everyone should hear.

There are a lot of factors working to make this a great album. The primary one might be Hope’s voice, which is pure mania.

Walker, Robson, and Katz do an incredible job perfectly re-creating a classic blues sound. On ‘Journeys to the Heart of the Blues’ they’ve crafted the perfect omelet for your ears.

‘When I Rise’ works not just because of its variety, but also because of the performances. Morin’s voice is exciting and his guitar playing impressive.