Nick Schnebelen – What Key Is Trouble In?
VizzTone Label Group – 2023
13 tracks; 59 minutes
Nick Schnebelen, former member of the successful Trampled Under Foot, makes a triumphant return with his third solo album, "What Key Is Trouble In?" Released under the VizzTone Label Group in 2023, this all-original 13-track offering showcases Nick's mastery of the blues genre, featuring his signature gravelly vocals and blistering guitar work.
The album kicks off with the energetic "Ten Years After, Fifty Years Later," paying homage to the legendary British band.
Nick's guitar prowess, reminiscent of Alvin Lee, sets the tone for a rocking journey through the blues landscape. The title track, "What Key Is Trouble In?" demonstrates Nick's ability to address societal issues with poignant lyrics. Against a backdrop of soulful guitar licks, he explores the challenges of homelessness, posing the question, "what key is homeless in?"
"Love In My Heart" adds to the upbeat tempo, showcasing Nick's talent for double-tracking rhythm and lead guitar parts. The pace shifts with "Blues Nights," a slower tune with Latin-tinged guitar work that captivates the listener. "Hard Driving Woman" follows, delivering a tale of relationship woes backed by powerful guitar solos.
In "Will I Stay," Nick contemplates the decision to remain in a relationship, while "Pain Aside" features a bright shuffle and socially conscious lyrics. "Poor Side Of Town" unveils the harsh reality of poverty through a churning blues melody, maintaining the album's thematic depth.
A notable reprise appears in "Jonny Cheat," a boogie tune previously recorded with Trampled Under Foot. Buddy Leach's gritty sax solo enhances the narrative of revenge against a romantic rival. "Big Mean Dog" adds a narrative twist with Nick's fiery guitar work intensifying the drama of an escaping prisoner.
"Over The Cliff" combines tough blues-rock with unconventional lyrics about aliens and space travel. "Throw Poor Me Out" presents a jagged rocker with Red Young's piano and Nick's slide work taking center stage. The album concludes with "People Worry About Me," featuring screaming guitar riffs against a backdrop of doom-laden organ and heavy rhythm section work.
Throughout "What Key Is Trouble In?," Nick Schnebelen demonstrates his fluency in blues-rock, offering a heavy set of tunes both musically and lyrically. While the album leans towards intensity, Nick's skillful guitar playing and soulful vocals provide a compelling experience for fans of the genre. The album's thematic cohesion, coupled with Nick's undeniable talent, ensures a satisfying listen for blues enthusiasts.
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