BY BLOOD ALONE - review added 23rd May 2011
Album Review: Thunderbirds (2011)
For fans of: Prog Rock
By Blood Alone, formed in 2004 and hailing from Portland in Maine, have a name like a modern melodic death metal band, but in reality this is a female-fronted progressive-tinged classic rock band.
The press release suggests this band's typical audience stands at a gig in abject silence, captivated and locked into the moment. This is a real surprise as, firstly, that isn't a good thing and, secondly, the one thing this band does well is entertain in a boisterous way - meaning they should actually be a blast live.
"Thunderbirds" follows their 2007 CD "Seas of Blood" and I have to say it hasn't done a massively good job of capturing my imagination. Yes, the songs are energetic, but the singing and playing are no more than ample. They come across as a very good bar band rather than a group with chart potential. The music is produced with little in the way of depth, and whilst the songs have their moments they struggle to gel into anything worthy of praise. The epic 'I Bleed' gets close, but at over ten minutes it outstays its welcome. The title track follows a similar path - good but too long.
In Summation:
By Blood Alone should be fun live, regardless of what the PR says. With a bigger production job this album could have been okay too. Sadly it's several yards short of excellence.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Drive All Night
02. Night Terrors
03. I Bleed
04. Having Tea
05. Stalking
06. Thunderbirds
07. Misfit
Band/Performers:
John Graveside- Lead Guitar
Cruella- Lead Vocals
Jenny- Keyboards
Jack- Bass
Runtt- Drums
Other Info:
Artist's website(s): By Blood Alone | MySpace | Facebook
