Peter Storm & The Blues Society – Second
Naked – 2023
10 tracks; 46 minutes
Portugal's blues scene continues to make waves, and at the forefront of the movement is Peter Storm & The Blues Society, presenting their second album aptly titled "Second." While there may not be a Peter Storm in the lineup, the band members—Bino Ribeiro (guitar, harp, vocals), João Belchior (vocals, guitar), José Reis (bass), and Jorge ‘Mr Shuffle’ Oliveira (drums, percussion)—bring their collective prowess to the forefront, with special guest Sam Silva on saxophone enhancing the experience on one track.
The album opens with a promising start, and it's worth noting the vocal delivery throughout the album is impressive, devoid of any noticeable accent. "Meditation Blues" showcases the band's versatility, delivering a slow blues number where the lyrics are easily understood, setting the tone for an engaging listening experience. The standout track, "I Told You (Not To Treat Me Wrong)," echoes early Fleetwood Mac vibes with heartfelt lyrics capturing the pain of a deteriorating relationship. The delicate guitar work and soulful harmonica complement the emotional depth of the song.
"Blame" introduces a snaky rhythm with robust percussion, providing a canvas for another poignant break-up narrative. The unamplified harp by Bino and João's well-executed guitar work make this track a compelling addition to the album. While "52nd Avenue" takes on a spoken vocal approach over a rocking beat, "Go Down And Play" and "Write Down The Blues" might polarize listeners due to the discordant harp and guitar elements.
"Black Hole" leans more towards a rock-oriented sound, featuring aggressive wah-wah and paving the way for the album's closer, "Show Me Your Love." The final track is a full-throttle rocker with a pounding beat and an infectious singalong chorus, likely to become a crowd favorite during live performances.
The album includes two covers, "Breaking Up Somebody's Home" and "Beatrice." The former, a blues standard often revisited, offers a decent rendition, albeit with a peculiar guitar solo. The addition of saxophone to "Beatrice," originally by Phillip Walker and Larry Garner, injects soulful elements and complements the overall groove.
"Second" demonstrates the thriving blues and blues-rock scene in Portugal. While some tracks may divide opinions due to experimental elements, the overall quality of the vocals, instrumental prowess, and emotional delivery make this album a commendable effort from Peter Storm & The Blues Society. The band's ability to capture various facets of the blues spectrum solidifies their position as key contributors to the evolving blues landscape in Portugal.
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