SUPERSONIC BLUES MACHINE: Voodoo Nation (ROCK,Blues): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

With its first two studio albums, Supersonic Blues Machine had stunned the competition. The trio, regularly reinforced by special guests, played a series of gleaming blues-rock nuggets to which they added here and there a few touches of soul, funk and even reggae. And then 2018 saw Lance Lopez give up his place as singer-guitarist to the British Kris Barras. If the talent of the latter was not questioned, his more veiled vocals than that of his predecessor let fear a loss of impact in the interpretation of the super-trio. Fortunately, the live "Road Chronicles: Live! " had partially reassured us from 2019. After three long years of waiting, here is finally the new studio offering of the supersonic blues machine awaited with a mixture of impatience and apprehension.

As if to confirm its solidity, the trio releases three tracks without guest on which it seems to want to sum up that made its reputation. Blues, rock, groove and funk are mixed together, taking everything in their path, reminding us of the extent to which their rhythmic pair is of an uncommon level. But if this introductory triplet reassures us as much on the shape of its authors as on the integration of its new frontman, it also lets appear a dark and rampant anger that the last world events clearly explain. The evolution of our society does not please the members of Supersonic Blues Machine and their music becomes more melancholic, which suits perfectly Kris Barras' vocals.

However, if Mephistopheles lets his forked tail drag on the reptilian '8 Ball Lucy' and on the aptly named 'Devil At The Doorstep' as bewitching as worrying, the trio and its guests do not sink into a deep depression. The martial 'You And Me' praises courage in the face of hardship with gospel touches, while 'Do It Again' shows muscles and delivers a catchy riff. Some tracks take the time to develop and become almost epic ('Coming Thru', 'Voodoo Nation') while others bring peace ('Is It All') or resilience ('I Will Let Go'). Finally, 'All Our Love' closes this new journey filled with all kinds of emotions on a bright and optimistic note by reminding us that love is perhaps the best solution to most of our problems.

The richness of this opus does not allow to approach all the details in a first listening which will not be enough to discover everything. This "Voodoo Nation" is likely to bewitch a little more after each passage by hypnotizing by its variety, its smoothness and its depth. By bringing some modifications to its formula and by remaining anchored in the reality of our world, Supersonic Blues Machine confirms its outstanding talent, as its capacity to evolve. - Official website

SUPERSONIC BLUES MACHINE

VOODOO NATION

MASCOT LABEL GROUP

ROCK