Tuesday, June 23

Blues

Odie & I – Murder Blues: A Haunting Take on Appalachian Folk Traditions
Blues, New Music

Odie & I – Murder Blues: A Haunting Take on Appalachian Folk Traditions

“Murder Blues” by Odie & I is a dark, atmospheric slice of Appalachian-inspired blues. Opening with rich, gritty guitar tones and wailing harmonica, the track quickly sets a raw and evocative tone. The vocals lead the charge — powerful, weathered, and full of conviction — delivering a chilling narrative drawn from the real-life quote: “I sent three to Heaven, two to hell.” The arrangement is sparse but effective, combining distorted electric guitar with moments of acoustic fingerpicking. The harmonica weaves through the track, intensifying its emotional weight without overwhelming the mix. It’s a stripped-back, storytelling-driven performance that draws clear influence from traditional murder ballads and backwoods blues. Odie & I has crafted a track that feels steeped in pla...
Saint Nick the Lesser Delivers Raw Blues Power on “Catfish Bones”
Alt Country, Blues, New Music

Saint Nick the Lesser Delivers Raw Blues Power on “Catfish Bones”

“Catfish Bones” by Saint Nick the Lesser leans into dark blues and country roots, driven by a deep, resonant vocal and a menacing groove. With stripped-back instrumentation and a swampy, dynamic rhythm, the track blends gritty soul with storytelling steeped in Southern gothic imagery. There’s a strong blues presence in the vocal phrasing and the rhythmic undercurrent, creating a track that feels both urgent and grounded. The arrangement keeps things raw and uncluttered, allowing the emotional intensity of the performance to take centre stage. Saint Nick the Lesser brings a sense of lived experience to his songwriting—his music often explores themes of survival and redemption, with a focus on connection and emotional honesty. Drawing from folk, blues, and roots traditions, his work r...
Callum Norris Debuts with Blues-Rock Energy on “The Only Way I Know”
Blues, New Music

Callum Norris Debuts with Blues-Rock Energy on “The Only Way I Know”

Northern Irish artist Callum Norris steps forward with a strong debut single, “The Only Way I Know,” blending gritty blues with a rock edge. Opening with raw, overdriven slide guitar, the track sets a confident tone before Norris’s powerful vocals take the lead, carrying the energy with a mix of soul and grit. Recorded at ZeroHour Studio in Coleraine and produced by Michael McCluskey, the track features a tight arrangement that keeps the focus on Norris’s expressive voice and the blues-driven guitar work. Drawing on influences from country blues and classic rock, the sound nods to both the Mississippi Delta and the British blues revival. Lyrically, the song deals with personal conviction—choosing an uncertain path over a comfortable but uninspiring life. It's a direct message, u...
Sons of Levin Release Blues-Rock Single Slipping Away
Blues, New Music, Progressive Rock

Sons of Levin Release Blues-Rock Single Slipping Away

Boston-based blues-rock group Sons of Levin return with Slipping Away, the second single from their upcoming EP. Rooted in a classic blues sound with a jam-band feel, the track showcases the band's evolving approach to songwriting while staying true to their energetic, groove-driven style. Opening with rolling toms, Slipping Away immediately locks into a blues-fueled rhythm, with harmonica leading the charge. The vocal performance is filled with energy, supported by a guitar groove that weaves around the melody, allowing the lyrics to stand out. The chorus takes an unexpected turn, introducing a staccato rhythm that transitions into a 1960s-inspired section. As the song progresses, it explores different textures and grooves, moving beyond a standard blues structure into more progressiv...
Total Reverends Release Powerful Blues-Rock Single Love & Pain
Blues, Classic Rock, New Music

Total Reverends Release Powerful Blues-Rock Single Love & Pain

Italian alternative rock-blues outfit Total Reverends return with Love & Pain, a high-energy track that blends raw blues influences with a driving groove and an electrifying build-up. This marks the band’s second single in two months, with a new release planned every month leading up to their full album release, which will also be available on vinyl before summer. Love & Pain channels the gritty, modern blues-rock sound of bands like The Black Keys, The White Stripes, and Queens of the Stone Age. The track kicks off with a blues-infused guitar riff, soon mirrored by a powerful rhythm section that gives it momentum. As the song progresses, it gains intensity, leading to a climactic finale that showcases the band’s dynamic energy. The lyrics draw inspiration from the spiritual...
Bonnie And The Jets – Somebody: A Blues-Rock Groove with Soulful Intensity
Blues, Classic Rock, New Music

Bonnie And The Jets – Somebody: A Blues-Rock Groove with Soulful Intensity

Bonnie And The Jets’ Somebody is a blues-rock track that blends smooth guitar licks, expressive vocals, and a steadily building groove. The song opens with classic blues-infused guitar lines before the commanding lead vocal enters, setting the stage for a dynamic interplay with a male counterpart. An organ swells in the background, adding warmth, while the rhythm section keeps a restrained but compelling momentum. As the track progresses, the groove shifts towards a funkier feel, culminating in a powerful and expressive finale. Released on the band’s debut album in August 2022, Somebody features Norwegian blues musician Joakim Tinderholt, whose contributions add depth to the arrangement. Bonnie And The Jets, led by Caroline "Bonnie" Bonnet, have made an impact with their fusion of rock...
WellBad & Jessy Martens – Blues Porn Delivers Gritty, High-Energy Blues
Blues, New Music

WellBad & Jessy Martens – Blues Porn Delivers Gritty, High-Energy Blues

Hamburg blues-rock outfit WellBad teams up with Jessy Martens for Blues Porn, a track packed with raw energy and a distinctive blues groove. The song blends classic blues influences with a rap-styled vocal delivery, adding a modern, slightly playful twist reminiscent of Beck. The result is a high-energy, swagger-filled track that embraces both tradition and innovation. Blues Porn is the first glimpse of WellBad’s upcoming album, Oyster & Pearl, set for release on May 23, 2025. Featuring Daniel Welbat, Jessy Martens, and blues legend Abi Wallenstein, the song stays true to the roots of the genre while maintaining the band’s signature style—gritty, honest, and powerful. WellBad has built a reputation for their unique "New Blues Sound," fusing retro-inspired songwriting with invent...
TBelly’s Da da da Da – A Slow-Burning Blues Groove
Blues, New Music

TBelly’s Da da da Da – A Slow-Burning Blues Groove

TBelly’s track, Da da da Da, leans into deep blues influences with a slow, steady groove that builds in subtle layers. From the opening notes, the track establishes a hypnotic, rolling rhythm, allowing the vocals to glide effortlessly over the instrumentation. The chorus expands the sound with a richer melodic presence, while later harmonies introduce new textures, adding depth to the composition. Lyrically, the song reflects on the passage of time and the process of leaving youth behind. TBelly, formed by songwriter Russell Keefe in 2013, has consistently delivered blues-driven music with a strong emotional core. Since the release of their debut album, Dead Men Don't Pray, in 2015, the band has continued to evolve, most recently with the 2020 album I Never Want To See Me Again. Follow...
Ian Matthew Harper & Lost Charming Boys Serve Up Bluesy Groove with One Tall Coffee
Blues, New Music

Ian Matthew Harper & Lost Charming Boys Serve Up Bluesy Groove with One Tall Coffee

Ian Matthew Harper and Lost Charming Boys deliver a smooth, blues-infused track with One Tall Coffee. Opening with the ambient hum of a coffee shop, the song eases into a lively electric piano groove before a bluesy guitar line cuts through, setting the tone. The rhythm section rolls effortlessly, with the drums pushing the track forward while the guitar weaves expressive licks throughout. The vocal arrives with an understated yet authentic blues melody, bringing everything together into a rich, immersive sound. Lost Charming Boys, a group of Norwegian, Swedish, and American musicians, came together through a shared passion for blues music. Their debut single, One Tall Coffee, was recorded at Bok & Blueshuset, with a live rendition featuring Adama Janlo captured at the legendary No...
Billy Jeter – Rooted in the Blues with Gonna Sing
Blues, New Music

Billy Jeter – Rooted in the Blues with Gonna Sing

Billy Jeter’s Gonna Sing is steeped in the rich traditions of American roots music. Opening with blues guitar licks, the track sets a classic tone, complemented by layered vocals that bring in a gospel-infused warmth. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing the song’s soulful essence to shine through. Jeter’s music is shaped by the landscapes and sounds of the Mississippi Delta, Ozark folk traditions, and the storytelling spirit of rock and country. Born in Arkansas in 1955, he grew up surrounded by the deep musical heritage of the South. Influences range from the songwriting of Robbie Robertson and Neil Young to the raw storytelling of Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. Gonna Sing reflects this diverse musical background, drawing from the blues, gospel, and folk traditions t...