Blud Bros.

Item: Not What You Think
Author: Mike Rimmer

Not What You Think

(2002)

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

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Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

blues blues rock gospel blues

Christian blues! Isn't that an oxymoron? In some places one might think so but one read of the book of Psalms and there's no doubt that even God's children get the blues. But then, the eternal question. Can a white man sing the blues? That might be a harder question to answer as singer Alan Harvey doesn't have a classic blues voice but makes up for it with sheer effort and chutzpah.

Standouts? There were a couple that really grabbed me. I like the slow blues of "Came & Bled & Died" and the vivacious immediacy and groove of "Twistin' In The Wind."

Listening to the Blud Brothers, there's no doubt that the band know how to put down some infectious blues playing. Although the production values aren't absolutely fabulous here, it all seems to fall into place from walking bass, solid groove and nice guitar and Hammond flourishes through to the straight ahead lyrics and uncompromising message. Good clean blues and the Blud Brothers have plenty to say and band leader Big Al Harvey isn't scared to say it. But I'm still left feeling that in the blues tradition this is more Blues Brothers than B.B. King.

3.5 tocks