Blue Gillespie - Synesthesia
After two successful EP releases, Newport-based four-piece Blue Gillespie release their first full length album ‘Synesthesia’. Describing themselves as Heavy Blues, Metal and Stoner Rock, I was intrigued to find out how they would deliver such a promise.
‘Beat Oven’ is the album opener. It starts with lots of eerie noises, the bass kicks in, then drums and guitar before they explode into hard grinding chords and growling vocals; very, very heavy Blues, sort of a dark, modern take on Groundhogs merging with Black Sabbath; Wonderful.
The more frantic ‘Sugar Glass’ follows with its intricate riffs before the ‘Tull-esque vocals introduce ‘Skinned’. This one doesn’t disappoint either, with its rousing vocals and massive backing. The unsuspecting sleaze of ‘Wiff’ and the bouncy ‘Growsome’ shows the bands versatility with its lighter, bluesy interludes, less abrasive vocals (in part) and some heavier than heavy riffing. There are some nice bass lines and lead guitar effects on the latter.
‘Making Sound’ promises to be a much, much quieter track. Its acoustic blues beginnings develop into some quiet Progressive sounds and the eventual Porcupine Tree feel develops nicely; probably my favourite track on the album. ‘Tripout’ sees a return to the high energy thunder with some Tony Iommi sounding guitar thrown in for good measure. ‘Black Waltz’ is a more acoustic track (for the first 2 minutes and 17 seconds at least), which is marred by the introduction of the heavy guitars, drums and vocals. Just leave it be; this song has more potential without the volume turned up to 11.
‘Fingered’ follows much the same pattern as before. The totally unexpected ‘The Fergal’ is next. Here the band has resisted the temptation to revert to type and as a result have a memorable piece of work; nice guitar and vocals. ‘Paradox & Time Knot’ finishes the album off. This is an amalgamation of every other track on the album. All elements are covered, all moods referenced. If you want to know what’s on the album and haven’t got much time, just listen to this one.
A lot of the sound is very much in the same vein as those brilliant Italian rockers Ira Del Baccano and their influences from Progressive Rock, Blues and Metal are there for all to see. If you like your Blues heavy, your Metal as heavy as lead and your Stoner Rock totally out of it, this is for you. A great blend of high energy rock.
The album is so good I can even forgive them for misspelling ‘Synaesthesia’.