Minutes into listening to the first track on Strange Brew’s Myspace, ‘Heartbreaker Blues’, i’ve got to say I was impressed with their memorable, well produced rhythm and blues sound. The Bristol based four-piece present stylised covers of classic blues tracks as well as their own material to form a sound that takes in influences spanning the entire history of the genre. On top of this they incorporate in elements of funk, soul, rock ’n ’roll, swing and jazz; essentially it’s a showcase in tight blues chemistry!
From the offset there’s a noticeable 1960s UK Blues influence, the likes of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Peter Green/Early Fleetwood Mac and Cream. This is certainly apparent in the Eric Clapton style vocals; powerful and soulful, they grow stronger throughout each track. Similarly a nod to the roots of blues, the 1930s Mississipi and Delta Blues sound pioneered by the likes of Robert Johnson, Leadbelly and Muddy Waters in the USA, is evident in the track ‘Kris Richards It Hurts Me too’, with its excellent use of a retro sounding slide guitar which combines well with the heartfelt vocals.
All four members of the band are technically impressive; the lead guitarist in particular delivers blistering guitar solos, stylistically sounding like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Dimebag Darrell. Melodic harmonica elements and tight percussion also blend seamlessly together in each track as the different tunes exhibit the variations in their sound. ‘She loves my Automobile’ has a definite swing sound to it; a rip-roaring song about a girl showing more love for one’s car than personality – ‘I’d do anything to get her hands right off my wheels’ lead singer Dave Seward cries. ‘Number 36’ on the other hand opens with an instantly memorable foot-tapping hook and focuses more on the funk sound throughout.
Strange Brew deliver what is undeniably a very cool modernised rhythm and blues sound. The fact they’ve performed at established venues over a city as culturally vibrant and musically competitive as Bristol is a sign they can go a long way, and i’m sure they’d be a smash hit on the UK festival scene. They casually promise that the Strange Brew live experience will make you ‘get up and jump around like a low-layin', cool walkin' staggering Blues monkey and strut your stuff!’, certainly something I wouldn’t mind experiencing!
Review by Patrick Muncaster
Contact Strange Brew!
krisrock66@hotmail.com
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