Wednesday 28 December 2016

CHILD - Blueside (Album Review)


Release date: December 02nd 2016. Label: Kozmik Artifactz. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Blueside – Tracklisting

1. Nailed To The Ceiling
2. It's Cruel To Be Kind
3. Blue Side Of The Collar
4. Dirty Woman
5. The Man

Band Members

Mathias Northway - guitar, vocals
Michael Lowe - drums, percussion
Danny Smith - bass guitar

Review

Melbourne's Child shook my foundations back in 2014 when their self-titled debut came out. Heavily influenced by blues and heavy psych back then, the blues has been pushed to the front almost exclusively this time around. Fear not, there trippy moments here and there, but they are scarcely used compared to the debut. Instead, at least in my opinion, Child are going all out playing real blues the way it should sound. Low down and dirty and full of rejection, attempts at redemption and forgiveness and pure misery. Hey, it wouldn’t be blues if not. Best of all, what this trio is doing on ‘Blueside’ is absolutely fantastic!

The first two songs, ‘Nailed To The Ceiling’ and ‘It’s Cruel To Be Kind’ are slow and heavy build-up compositions. The tight and punishing rhythm section keeps you down and out while the vocals and guitar spills out all the anguish inside. And man, I love guitar solos, always have which both these songs have in abundance. Hey, I’m not complaining. ‘Blue Side Of The Collar’ starts off with only Mr. Northway singing and Mr. Smith thumping on the bass guitar. Eventually, Mr. Lowe joins in on some soft touches on the drums before Northway cranks up the guitar. Still, they keep it slow bringing out peoples struggles perfectly with the guitar crying out the pain.

What would blues be without a song about failed relationships or shady partners? Nothing, you’re right! And ‘Dirty Woman’ is that particular track. You want her and get her and your life goes down the drain cause she’s nothing but trouble. We’ve all had those relationships, so don’t try to deny it, friends. A beautiful slow guitar solo opens the last song, ‘The Man’ which follows along the guitar. It sets the moods throughout leading up to where Northway’s lamenting voice tells about the showdown when a man gets shot down. Again, the guitar solos, man!

Child are one of those rare bands that goes from strength to strength with each new release. Instead of resting on their laurels, they push the envelope making the music even better than before. Few can pull that off, but these Australians are of a different breed and stand miles ahead of the rest. So folks, get your hands on ‘Blueside’ because it’s the shit for sure!

Words by Håkan Nyman

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