Label: Nuclear Blast
Review by Tony Cannella
Blues Pills is a Swedish, French and American combo who plays blues based hard rock. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast and they are certainly not a band you would associate with the label. Instead of the out and out metal-ness that we have come to expect, know and love about the Nuclear Blast label, Blues Pills provides a nice departure with a more basic blues rock style. They have already released one EP entitled “Devil Man” and now they return with EP number two. “Live at Rockpalast” presents the listener with 4-songs and 15-minutes of the band live on the famous German rock program.
The rocking instrumental “In the Beginning” starts us off and then gives way to the cocky swagger of “Black Smoke”. Lead vocalist Elin Larsson is excellent and brings to mind such legends as Janis Joplin or Aretha Franklin. She’s that freaking good. “Little Sun” is a bluesy softer song that still has its share of rocking moments as the song slowly picks up the tempo and by the end turns into an all out jam. “Live at Rockpalast” is completed with the instrumental “Mind Exit” with the bands musical chops on full display. I love the style and sound of Blues Pills. They are definitely a throwback to basic bluesy rock and roll but with a modern twist. They are currently working hard on their debut full-length, but until that is released we have “Live at Rockpalast” to keep us satisfied.
Rating – 88/100
Tracklist
- In the Beginning
- Black Smoke
- Little Sun
- Mind Exit
Line Up
- Elin Larsson – Vocals
- Dorian Sorriaux – Guitar
- Zack Anderson – Bass
- Cory Berry – Drums