Scars to Remember
Blindstone
BLINDSTONE are proud to announce the new album "Scars To Remember" released on August 11, 2023. After being the best kept secret within the heavy side of blues rock, as part of the "closed" blues scene for two decades, the band is now moving to Mighty Music and hoping to get the recognition they feel they deserve. With this release, their tenth full-length studio album from the Danish-based blues power trio, which has its stylistic roots in the late 60's and 70's, with inspiration from bands/artists such as JIMI HENDRIX, ROBIN TROWER, FRANK MARINIO, DEEP PURPLE, and BLACK SABBATH. Formed more than two decades ago and having played countless shows in those years, BLINDSTONE hit it hard in the US, due to their sound, and released most of their albums on the American label Grooveyard Records. Despite the long run, the band saw a turning point in their career when, in 2020, they were hired as the backing band for the blues legend WALTER TROUT, for a series of successful concerts around Denmark. This experience was a factor in inspiring the band to seek a slightly more direct and basic stylistic approach on their new album. The band's lyrical universe has reached new levels of seriousness, depth and soul searching with the new collaboration with Swedish lyricist PETER SVENSSON, who contributed lyrics to a large part of the album.
Hey man, pass me a joint as we open on "Embrace The Sky" which starts out way more "stoner rock" than "blues rock" as advertised. A nice, melodic beat with a grooving riff paired with fuzzy, effervescent vocals brought to a meaty boil by the smooth and ethereal guitar playing. A pleasant surprise to open with. "Down For The Count" is the bluesy, gritty sound I was expecting with frolicking licks and engaging and bouncy riffs all bound together by the impressive blues boogie of Martin Jepsen Andersen's guitar prowess. "Drums Of War" has a furious riff and tempo with a strong feeling of FRANK MARINIO belting through with some juicy licks and backed by the solid, fat bass and drumming beat. A deeper, distant brooding start on "In The Eye Of The Storm" with its slower tempo and slinky vocals take a back seat to the feverishly dominant guitar solos triggering memories of ROBIN TROWER. Transitioning rather effortlessly to a bouncy, high-energy melody on "Shining On Through" giving a more ZZ TOP groove and swagger approach, minus the furry guitars and beards.
Yes, I know all rock and roll originated from blues, and yes, I know a lot of rock and roll all have blues licks incorporated, but I've never been a blues guy. I know that sounds a little whacky because I'm supposed to appreciate the blues seeing how much I love rock and roll and heavy metal, and hey, I'm probably more surprised than anybody that I really enjoyed "Scars To Remember", I mean really enjoyed. Maybe it's the Danish influence aided by the soulful unvarnished blending of heavy guitar chopping, the distant vocal layering backed by a solid and inventive rhythm section
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Scars to Remember" Track-listing:
1. Embrace The Sky
2. A Scar To Remember
3. Down For The Count
4. Waste Your Time
5. Drums Of War
6. Drifting Away
7. In The Eye Of The Storm
8. The Fields Of Bethel
9. Shining On Through
10. World Weary Blues
Blindstone Lineup:
Martin Jepsen Andersen - guitars/vocals
Jesper Vegeberg Bunk - bass
Sigurd Jøhnk-Jensen - drums
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