Bex Marshall
Album: The House Of Mercy
Label: House Of Mercy
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.bexmarshall.co.uk

I don't know what they put in the water of the Ex Valley, but it seems to infuse blues and soul singers and it doesn't even have a delta, all of which is a convoluted way of saying Bex Marshall has a new album out and it's time to reach for your wallet.

I don't think it's coincidence that the local cat, the Devon Rex is often blue, cause this album is as cool as the distinctive moggie and retains that jittery sense that at any minute it's going to get loud and violent evens as it positively purrs, "The House Of Mercy" is definitely home for waifs and strays that have that certain attitude.

As both writer and producer of the album, Bex draws out a performance from the supporting cast that matches the passion and fission of her own performance to fill up and album with some absolutely searing riffs and more hooks than Bideford's fishing fleet.

There is a dark and dirty side to Bex's blues, bad men and fast women, mad bad and dangerous to know people and places, which Bex mainly plonks down in the US, with the influence of that country finding its way into lyric and sound, the later particularly via the Hammond organ and resonator guitars, though undoubtedly the standout guitar sound is that of her Chris Eccleshall built, Electric Lady guitar.

To me, Bex always seems to be at her strongest when her writing brings her closer to home, when the songs become that little more personal, she finds a more soulful almost more spiritual tone to her voice that lifts songs from the good to the great.

There are parts of the UK and US blues scene where Bex is already quite a name, there are other bits that till need to find a way of taking her into their hearts, "The House Of Mercy" should be the album that allows that, inject a bit of her blues sparkle into your veins, sometimes addiction is a good thing.

Neil King