Band : Blindstone
Album Title : Rise Above
Label : Grooveyard Records
Distributor :
Release Date : 2010
Review : CD

‘Blindstone wake the axe hero that sleeps in all of us’
Sounding distinctly like Robin Trower, Mahogany Rush, Jimi Hendrix, Gov’t Mule, or even ZZ Top bitten by the current vintage groove rock bug, but with very very good guitar solos, this Danish powerhouse trio is one of those bands who will definitely appeal to anyone into the above groups. The most notable things upon first listens are the fact the guitars are in full force, the rhythm section is of course quite busy, and Martin J. Andersen’s solo playing is electrifying. Needless to say, this is prime true bluesy rock that blazes a wonderful and powerful sound with a single drop of pretention. Songs like “Powerman”, the bouncy “Sonic motor king”, “Wiser” where his guitar sears and soars, teases and thrills and the soulful groove “Horizontal activity” are instantly memorable and uplifting all at once. Among the 10 tracks there are 3 amazing covers called “House burning down” (Jimi Hendrix), “He’s calling” (Frank Marino) and the extremely funky hot “Climbing up the ladder” (Isley Brothers).  Guitarist/Vocalist Martin J. Andersen sounds at times like Brant Bjork (as on the groovy cut “New direction”) and at others like Zak Wylde from Black Label Society. Meanwhile, he knows how to make the best of a lead and can make his guitar wail when necessary and carve out the rhythm when the time is right. Martin J. Andersen also knows when to let the terrific backbone of Anders’ Hvidtfeldt’s drums and Jesper Bunk’s bass do most of the work. The band is able to both sound well produced and dirty, which means they can avoid that death knell of being overproduced or slick.
Blindstone have all the elements to become not just a good, but a great band.

95/100

Cosmicmasseur.