Album Review: Blues Pills - Holy Moly!
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
Sweden’s Blues Pills have existed now since 2011 yet so far have only two studio recordings to their name; the first, “Blues Pills”, was an explosive display of rock talent. Both vocally and musically it felt like a breath of fresh 1960’s and 1970’s air. The vocal dominance of Elin Larsson and guitar work of Dorian Sorriaux shone out like a psychedelic beacon to the world. A live album was to follow and then another studio album, 'Lady in Gold', after that.
This attention to live performances, as well as the studio work, is a good thing as it shows where this band really shine. They work hard on the road and their music displays that fact well. 'Holy Moly!' is a third studio recording which will add more songs to their live set list when the live music scene begins once again.
This album is the first without Mr. Sorraiux who left the band in 2018, amicably I believe, we see former bass player Zach Andrerson moving onto guitar and new bassist Kristoffer Schandler joining the foursome. Dorian’s shoes are big ones to fill and it will be interesting to see if the bands sound weakens due to his departure. This type of 70’s rock needs an axe man.
We start the album like any from the 70’s with a protest song. Ok, its not really a protest song but it is a powerful statement from an incredibly talented woman that should have no place in 2020, but sadly it still does. If you're going to say something important then the vocals of Elin get the point over; dripping with power and emotion. 'Proud Woman' is an excellent start that many fans will have already heard.
The second track starts and you realise that this once bass player has no difficulty in shredding six strings. No problem at all, the solo kicks in and we are in heaven. New bass player Schander wants a piece also, and he reaches out to take it. Any worries about new line up float slowly away into the ether, now replaced with the joy of outstanding musicianship and Elin’s incredible, mind blowing, soul tearing, spirit cleansing vocals. She manifests goose bumps on many occasions including but not exclusively in 'California' and 'Bye Bye Birdy'. She is by no means the only talented individual in this band, but the singer often has to hold the lime light, and Jesus that light is well held.
This is genuinely a marvellous rock-blues album straight from the past, but sounding brand new and polished. I feel a better person for hearing it. You may get the same feeling.
