Reverend Freakchild
Album: Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues
Label: Treated & Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www-reverendfreakchild.org

I recently wrote a review of a blues/rock album and how it lacked that intrinsic emotion that is central to blues music. The melting down and pouring of one's soul into a musical mould that becomes cast into the blues. It seems fitting then that the latest artist I will be looking at here, says that "Music is my religion. Through song I seek transcendence!". Reverend Freakchild's latest album: "Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues" combines an irreverent, live sound with the undeniably holy spirit of Robert Johnson.

So much of the modern 'blues' we hear these days is precise and packed with well-honed musical talent. That's fantastic and all, but what about sounds that make you feel good because they're just straight-up naughty? Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues is full of songs that have a kind of 'rough around the edges' appeal to them; that is not to belittle the quality of musicianship on show here by any means. An illustrative contrast of this idea could be the song "Keep on Trucking" for the former, and the instrumental "Angel$ of Mercy" for the latter.

Speaking of instrumentals, this latest release by Reverend Freakchild is divided into chapters by displays of lyric-less and melodic indulgence. I guarantee that when you're not singing you will be at the very least tapping your feet/bobbing your head. You'll definitely enjoy this release if you're a fan of slide guitar. Freakchild employs the slide in almost every track, adding a thick smear of attitude to his musical canvas. The traditional "I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down" is a great example of how the slide can give a song a dirty great snarl.

Whilst Freakchild doesn't exactly have an angelic voice, I don't think this is a drawback for the album. In the first track he put me in mind of Francis Rossi from Status Quo (not sure why) and in the rambling, "It's Gonna Be Alright" I caught hints of Brighton-based hillbilly rockers, The Curst Sons. Like I say the good Reverend wouldn't make a good choir boy, but that doesn't matter, as this is the blues we're talking about and not gospel music! Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues is full to bursting with foot-tapping rhythms and downright filthy breakdowns that make modern DJs sound like right pansies!

One of the biggest strengths of this album is the fact that there are no over-complications to the sound of each track. If you're looking for a thousand guitars tracked over one another, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Reverend Freakchild has created a powerful yet simple sound that remains punchy and raw. The cover artwork seems to act as a metaphor for the album - depicting a simple yet striking scene. In many ways this is true of Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues' sound; a positively unrefined glow that thrums with every note. An honest representation of homegrown blues music.

Lloyd Brown