The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo Courtesy of NPRM Publishing Words by Anselm Anderson These days, it's rare to find a Southern rock band like Oklahoma's Hillbilly Vegas, who blend American blues and country traditions without sounding plain, reminiscent of Seventies bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, and Molly Hatchet. Led by vocalist Steve Harris since their formation in 2011. Last Friday, the band released their new album "A La Mode" through independent label Quarto Valley Records , which focuses on Blues, Americana, Roots, and Jazz music. This release has many influences from Blues and Americana, as it explodes into memorable songs, slick riffs, and ol'school southern rock. The band have steadily grown their fervent fanbase through raucous live shows and relatable lyrics. They have even toured with some of the genre's Renowned names such as s Blackberry Smoke, The Kentucky Headhunters, and Ted Nugent. Photo Credit:Joe Ward The album begins with...

Photo Credit: Chris Griffiths of Riff Photos Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Good evening, Ross. Congratulations on your latest release, The Blood and the Blues. How has the reception been so far? Ross – Thank you kindly. It’s been good so far. I feel like my music is slow-burning. It may take time to resonate with the right audiences, but when it does, it’s potent. It sits in an in-between place between Blues audiences and fans of darker types of music. The lyrical content can be heavy, uncomfortable at times. It’s art. This makes it slightly niche, I guess. It’s not for everyone, and I am at peace with that. People have come back to my shows, bought the album, and I’m seeing audiences build up all over the UK, so clearly something is working. The album was released in November, providing listeners with a few months to engage with it. Could you elaborate on how the album will connect with your forthcoming UK tour? Ross – The overarching motif of my whole creative process at ...

,  Words by Anselm Anderson A couple of weeks ago, Female-fronted rock act Luna Marble released their much-anticipated self-titled debut album . The album marks a turning point for the quartet as they embark on a new journey in their blossoming career. The band combines 70s-tinged psychedelic rock with energy, passion, and raw emotion, as part of a collection of songs recorded earlier in their career. Inspired by icons like Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin and co, they formed five years ago in Manchester, England . They are led by the commanding vocals of Maria Rico , the cosmic flair of guitarist Dragos Colceriu , bassist David Grundy , and drummer Sean Stewart . Luna Marble was mastered by Jimmy Spencer at various locations in Manchester, including Salford University . The album aims to establish the band's identity, starting with the opening track " Running ," which delivers a breath of fresh air through thunderous blues riffs and powerful vocals. This song stands out w...

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The blog continues to discover incredible new bands on British shores, and none are more impressive than the latest LP from the Welsh blues rock trio, Cry For Mercy. The band is set to release "This Machine" on Friday, April 4th. Cry For Mercy also self-funded this 12-track album on their path to recognition. The release showcases the drive and determination of the group through raw emotion and thought-provoking storytelling. They have been described as "Classic 70's fused blues rock" with a modern sound. I  agree with that sentiment as the trio blend soul, blues, and 70s rock with a strong guitar-driven edge. Their warm and compelling vocals are soulful and evoke comparisons to Paul Rodgers and David Coverdale. Formed in 2008, the trio consisting of vocalist Kev Plant, his son and drummer Aled, and guitarist Andy Cutty has emerged as a significant force in the UK underground rock scene. They have captivated audiences with their live...

Art Coverwork, courtesy of Naomi Randall Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews has recently embraced a Blues revival, featuring rising stars. Amongst the talented guitarists and bands, RJ Archer and the Painful Memories stand out with their ability to blend old traditional blues with modern values.   This past Friday, The quartet released "The Cost of a Loving Crisis", their third studio album. These ten personal songs are packed into half an hour of modern rock, mixed with country, blues and soul. Produced by Naomi Randall at Half Tom Studios in Cambridge, England, she captures each song with a pitch-perfect ear. The vibrant vocals of RJ Archer are complemented by an explosion of tasty guitar licks and a tight rhythm section, resulting in a compelling listening experience. The band had to adjust with Marc Ritchie replacing Ben Kingsbury on drums, while Kingsbury moved to the position of second guitarist. The inclusion of guest musicians further enhances the alb...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better. Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases. The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, forme...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues act RJ Archer and The Painful Memories return with their newest single, "Get It Together." The track is the latest from their upcoming album, "The Cost of Loving Crisis."   They continue from their previous release on this enjoyable teaser for the new album. I previously reviewed "Got to Leave," which I described as a throwback to the Delta Blues Era. "Get It Together follows on with a similar charm. The band, which features vocalist Richard Archer, bassist Richard James, guitarist Ben Kingsbury, and drummer Marc Ritchie, formed five years ago due to a shared interest in 60s and 70s rock music. The track is heavily influenced by Chicago Blues, which is evident with the continuous stop-start rhythm throughout the track. The track opens with RJ Archer's unmistakable vocals, conveying warmth and glee, while the bass and guitars combine. The rhythm builds tension, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery, before transi...

  Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews recently caught up with blues guitarist Ross Harding to discuss his latest single, "A Thousand Snakes" (Deluxe Edition), his upcoming UK tour, and the reasons behind his relocation from South Africa to the UK. Scroll down to read the full interview. Hello, Ross. Congratulations on your latest single “A Thousand Snakes”.What is the decision to re-release it as a deluxe edition? Thank you very much for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with your readers! The edition to release  'A Thousand Snakes Deluxe Version' is stylized and presented musically in the way I initially intended the song to sound and feel. Drastic changes were happening in my life, which directly influenced the recording process and release schedule of this body of songs (which all belong to an upcoming compilation/album called The Blood & The Blues). With this rendition, I really wanted to get into my more direct blues i...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues-based rock quartet RJ Archer and The Painful Memories recently released "Got to Leave," their latest track from their upcoming third studio album, scheduled for release this summer. The track is perfect for enjoying blazing sunshine and cool breezes, as it is a throwback to the Delta Blues era. Lead vocalist Richard Archer's buoyant and warm vocals attain a calmness over a steady rhythm. Formed in 2019, RJ Archer and The Painful Memories began as a trio of Archer, bassist Richard James and fellow guitarist Ben Kingsbury, after the former won a a prize in a singing competition. The band's love of the 1960s and 70's blues-based rock can be clearly heard within the first few bars of 'Got to Leave'. The opening blues shuffle between James's bass and Archer's slide guitar gives a slick edge to the music. Archer's powerful vocals resonate with the listener as the steady rhythm builds towards the chorus. The laid-back ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Sweden's Female fronted blues rock band Ebba Begkvist and TheFlat Tire Band recently released their second studio album Four Wings  via the excellent The Sign Records.  I have written some reviews for the label in the past and they usually produce some superb music from Sweden. 'Four Wings' is no exception as it is an album really about two halves; the first is 70's induced heavy blues rock, and the second is psychedelic and soulful melodies. The follow-up to 2020's Spilt Milk was produced and recorded by Ebba herself at  Silence Studio in Koppom as well as Helgen Studio, in Stockholm. As a producer, this allows her to add depth and emotion to each track. Formed in 2017 as a solo project, Ebba Bergkvist later added bassist Björn Björnehult Korning, drummer Adam Randolph and Finnish guitarist Jonas Skeppar to form the band it is today. Ebba gained critical acclaim after the release of her debut album, "Alright," in 2019, and wen...

  G'N'R guitarist Slash has ventured into the blues for his sixth solo effort 'Orgy Of the Damned' which was released last Friday ( May 17th) via Gibson Records. This may surprise many fans of the fuzzy-haired musician with the big hat. He has roped in fellow musicians and friends to record 11 covers of some blues classics by T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, as a tribute to his favourite music. Slash or Saul Hudson to his parents was born in Stoke, England and was introduced to the Blues by his American Grandmother, and subsequently onto his guitar hero B.B King. He now wants to pay homage to some of those greats with his old Blues Ball bandmates Johnny Griparic and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis, joined by drummer Michael Jerome and fellow guitarist and vocalist Tash Neal to lend some rhythm and blues to some notable tracks sung by guests, which include AC/DC Frontman, Brian Johnson , ZZ TOP guitarist Billy Gibbons , Punk icon I ggy Pop and pop star Dem...

  The Rambling Man caught up with blues guitarist Darnell Cole to discuss his upcoming "Life on The Run" UK tour this June, which will include several local venues and festivals. I also grabbed an opportunity to discuss his band The Vibe, The differences between American and British audiences, and what instruments Cole will be using on the tour. Scroll down to read the full interview. Hello Darnell, Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your band, The Vibe? Haha, I don't know if anything about us can be summed up into little bits. I started this current journey after the end of Porcelain Hill and have metamorphosized into something much more impactful, I truly feel it is my goal to bring the world together with this music, music that transcends politics, genre, age, and music you experience. To do that I need musicians who are on the same wavelength, that deep meaningful frequency because the audience can tell, and this current Lineup of the Vibe is RESONANT!  Congra...