Fronted by former Good Time Charlie guitarist, Kjetil Grande, Norway’s newest blues trio, The Crank Bros. arrive on the scene with an interesting debut CD titled BLACK MIDNIGHTS, STARS & STREETLIGHTS. Their sound is not what most blues fans would necessarily consider “authentic”, but it is certainly retro. The album’s mellow relaxed grooves, rich reverb-heavy hollow body guitar tone and standup bass provide a slinky sexiness that is at times either reminiscent of the late-90s Latin blues-rock sensation Tito & Tarantula or seemingly yearning to be placed in the background of a David Lynch film.
Grande’s vocals unfortunately leave a little something to be desired, but are more than compensated for by his tastefully executed guitar-work. The band’s distinctive style adds a certain cohesiveness to the entirety of the album’s 10 tracks and though Grande’s 6 original compositions hold up nicely against the album’s 4 classic blues covers, it is safe to say that the band shines brightest when performing those songs written by blues legends Weldon “Juke Boy” Bonner, T-Bone Walker, Magic Sam Maghett and Johnny “Guitar” Watson.
Blues aficionados expecting today’s standard high-energy blues-rock, packed with rip-off Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar tone, will surely be disappointed by The Crank Bros. debut album, but if you’re looking for something, new, interesting, unique and sexy with a hint “cool”, BLACK MIDNIGHTS, STARS & STREETLIGHTS may just satisfy your musical craving.
Grande’s vocals unfortunately leave a little something to be desired, but are more than compensated for by his tastefully executed guitar-work. The band’s distinctive style adds a certain cohesiveness to the entirety of the album’s 10 tracks and though Grande’s 6 original compositions hold up nicely against the album’s 4 classic blues covers, it is safe to say that the band shines brightest when performing those songs written by blues legends Weldon “Juke Boy” Bonner, T-Bone Walker, Magic Sam Maghett and Johnny “Guitar” Watson.
Blues aficionados expecting today’s standard high-energy blues-rock, packed with rip-off Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar tone, will surely be disappointed by The Crank Bros. debut album, but if you’re looking for something, new, interesting, unique and sexy with a hint “cool”, BLACK MIDNIGHTS, STARS & STREETLIGHTS may just satisfy your musical craving.
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