I can’t help but think I was more than a bit harsh on their previous outing ‘Navigation Blues’ which was released a couple of years ago. I apologise for that; this is Swamp Rock / Blues perfection. It is pure honest and passionate. A listen to 3rd track ‘Light Of Your Love’ should have you hooked by its end. The vocals from Thorbjórn Risager have a quality that reeks of the finest Bourbon, his guitar playing is perfect adding subtleness and a bit of power when needed. Risager is the main man but his supporting cast sprinkles gold dust throughout this record.
Hailing not from the USA, but from Denmark this group ooze a class that makes them amongst the premier blues bands in Europe. There is a feeling etched in every note played and sung. ‘Inner Light’ is lightly funky and gets your feet tapping gently as you ride the vibe and rhythm in a Stevie Wonder way.
‘We’ll Get By’ offers a touch of smooth gentleness that cannot help that make you feel good when you are holding you head up high. It is so full of soul that the likes of Ray Charles, spring to mind. Risager is aided by not just bass and drums but by a piano, woodwind, brass, strings and multiple backing vocalists. It has so much depth that at times you feel you are swimming against a tidal wave of emotion.
There are hints of ZZ.Top, Boogie and Rock & Roll and to be perfectly honest it delivers all of these with absolute class. If you read my previous review totally disregard every word I said. Thorbjórn Risager And The Black Tornado have been around for twenty years and judging by this another twenty year beckons.
‘Fine Summer Night’ is another beautiful song that creates vivid images of solitude and love at the same time. I don’t understand how it is all done, but it is magnificently. Looking at the images of the band there are 8 members. All 8 create and blend together making something special. I have played House Of Sticks for the best part of a month and it is utterly compelling.
Review: Paul Mace
House of Sticks’
Is Released on 31st January via Provogue / Mascot Label Group
Pre-order HERE
Check out the videos for Inner Light | Already Gone | Long Time Ago
Track Listing
1. House of Sticks
2. Already Gone
3. Light of Your Love
4. Long Time Ago
5. Said I Was Hurt
6. Inner Light
7. We’ll Get By
8. Out of the Rain
9. Climbed A Mountain
10. Fine Summer Night