Album Review: Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters - Mythos, Confession, Tragedy & Love
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Combining a real South Wales feel with the traditional hard rock of this part of the world, Cardiff’s Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters have been building a solid reputation over the past few years. Plenty of support slots to the likes of Y&T, Dan Reed, Ricky Warwick as well as appearances at Planet Rockstock, Hard Rock Hell and most impressively, a trip on the KISS Kruise have helped hone the band’s sound. Two previous albums, ‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Show Me Your Teeth’ sets the bar high and now album number three elevates the band to the next level.
There’s a big, muscular sound to ‘Mythos, Confession, Tragedies, And Love’. The opening four songs bring some massive riffs, underpinned by a rich melodic feel and Beth’s perfectly crafted vocals which combine smoky drawl with a silken feel. ‘The Otherside’ is the ideal opener, setting up the listener for an entertaining and enjoyable 50+ minutes which flows organically and keeps the interest high.
When it comes to the lighter elements, these are done with professionalism and grace. ‘Hold Your Heart’ is a perfect ballad, not too soft and yet capturing the essence of the song with panache. It’s where Beth can let rip with her powerful vocals that the band are at their strongest. ‘Undo Me’ is just one example of her strength, as she gives a stellar performance that sees her soar.
It's the combination of riffs, solid rhythms and enough variation in the song structures that makes this album a pleasure to listen to. Sure, it’ll appeal to fans of Halestorm, fellow South Walians Häxan, and many of the new wave of classic rock bands, and that’s no bad thing. ‘Ozymandias,’ ‘Sacrifice’ and ‘Trigger Warning’ follow on from each other and all demonstrate the wider approach to song writing that the band bring. There’s tenderness, grit, and above all a catchiness that leaves the songs lingering long in the memory.
The band were also determined to obtain the best sound possible, and the production enhances this well. Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire to work with producer Nick Brine (Bruce Springsteen, Thunder, and The Darkness), there is a crispness to the album that allows a natural feel to each song. Two bonus tracks in the gentle ‘I Never Knew’ and the anthemic ‘New York Time’ bring the album to a fitting close.
‘Mythos, Confession, Tragedies, And Love’ is an ideal summer album. You can slap this in the car stereo, in the garden for a party or just cwtch up with a beer and enjoy the thing in its entirety. Although some of the themes are less than celebratory, there is a feel good style to the songs and its one I will enjoy again and again.
