On ‘Electric Slave’, Black Joe Lewis has some things he’d like to get off his chest. Well, if we’re being perfectly honest, he’s actually got some things that he’d like to scream at the top of his lungs over sledgehammer blues-rock riffs.
The album’s title is a reference to the modern reliance on technology for communication. Lewis is pretty worked up about it: "Electric Slave is what people are today with their faces buried in their iPhones and the only way to hold a conversation is through text. The next step is to plug it into your damned head.”
Skulldiggin’, the record’s opening track, neatly sketches out what’s to follow. It’s a thunderous statement, packed to the gills with fuzzy guitars and a concrete slab of a groove. Over the top, Lewis’ soulful, gravel-throated roar immediately conjures a sweat-soaked, dangerous rock ‘n’ roll show.
Lewis again utilises horns to fine effect throughout much of the album, with snatches of sax and trumpet further enlivening the standout, slinky Come To My Party and adding another layer to the riff-heavy Dar Es Salaam.
Guilty and Vampire also draw on deep, foreboding saxophone barbs as they unfold, but elsewhere there’s a lack of something lighter to cut through the grit. Lewis is able to conjure so much with his guitar, but ‘Electric Slave’ is a little short on melodies.
When the band are in full flight it’s not an issue, but some of the more lightweight songs here suffer in such company. Young Girls, for example, possesses none of the swagger of album closer Mammas Queen, which calls on a chorus freak out to lift it from mediocrity.
‘Electric Slave’ is at turns ferocious and playful, coiled to strike and loose-limbed. It’s one to brood over and dance to, and doesn’t miss the mark by much.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
