Album Review

Blindfolds – Voodoo EP

• 10th Nov 2012

Blindfolds are a young band who are making big waves on the Glasgow gig scene. A series of incendiary live performances around the city have already brought them to the attention of many music lovers and this EP is the next step in the band’s development, or perhaps rapid rise would be a more appropriate description.

Blindfolds’ music mixes a raw and energetic blues base with elements of rockabilly to create a dynamic and modern rock sound with some classic roots. The four members of the band are all around 20 years old and have only been playing together for a year or so. Yet they have a confidence and a swagger that suits their music down to the ground. And it’s not just about the attitude – these boys have a great deal of musical ability too.

The four track Voodoo EP starts off with Black Magic. A brief guitar intro from Conor Jack Goldie leads into the track before Joshua Campbell’s pounding drums and Stuart Ivens’ rhythmic bass beat come in. The scene is set perfectly for John O’Neill’s vocals and he explodes into action in fine style. O’Neill has a voice that is perfect for singing the blues: deep, powerful and melodic, yet with an edgy quality that allows him to get down and dirty when he needs to.

Girl Gang comes next, a harder sound added to the bluesy rhythm for a song full of menace. There is a real fifties feel to this one with its fast pace and feedback heavy guitar. The drums drive the music forward and the vocals are clean and strong. It sounds like a cover of an old song, but is new and fresh at the same time.

Young Blood opens slowly with a vocal segment that instantly brings Jim Morrison to mind. Think of the middle section to The End and you won’t be far off. Then the pace picks up with an infectious rocking rhythm backing another fine vocal performance. There are some lovely guitar licks in here too, as well as a chant along vocal that will sound tremendous when played live.

Columbus is another rocking song, this time with heavy reverb on the lead vocal. The pace is high with the bass and drums working together to set a frenetic rhythm. Fast vocals and a dynamic guitar sound contrast to make this a more complex arrangement. It works well and the closing burst of guitar acts as a lovely full stop to the EP.

Voodoo is a fine EP with four powerful songs that give a flavour of just what this young band is capable of. All credit to the producers too for capturing the sheer energy and dynamism of a live Blindfolds performance on record. The best way to listen to this EP is to turn the volume way up, sit back and let the music wash over you. You can’t fail to be impressed.

Blindfolds will be headlining an EP launch show at Broadcast in Glasgow this evening. I’m planning on being there – it will be a great night for sure.

Venue: Voodoo EP
Support Band: EmuBands