An enjoyable and unique cocktail of many different styles.

Mellow Bravo is a bluesy rock n roll band coming from Boston, USA. The band was formed in 2009 and quickly built an impressive live reputation for their power and energy. They self released their first effort ‘Strut’ in 2010 which lead to a record deal and now they follow that up with their self titled second album.

Distorted guitar that explodes into a chunky riff signals the arrival of opening track ‘Sad Sam’, the harmonica scattered throughout gives it a slightly retro feel. Regardless, this blues infused track is certainly boisterous with roared husky vocals delivered with real aplomb. The band takes the retro rock a step further with ‘Shake Shake Shake’ which screams Thin Lizzy with its pounding bass and wailing twin guitar. Due to its catchy melody and chorus this is one of the more memorable songs on this release. As if blues, RnR and retro rock weren’t enough, the band also incorporates a country flavour. ‘Prairie Dog’ opens with a very old school tinny recording featuring the two vocalists singing in harmony accompanied by an acoustic guitar and tambourine, eventually erupting into a real country foot tapper. ‘Senorita’ has a haunting western feel to it reminiscent of parts of ‘Dry County’ by Bon Jovi with vocals delivered with a little less growl and a little more emotion. All of these are surpassed by the best track ‘Love You When You Please’. Disco sounding keys gives way to a riff that would fit snug on ZZ Top’s ‘Afterburner’. The groovy guitar powers along with the keys flowing into a very infectious, very punchy chorus. The funky six string melody really makes this and helps the whole song root firmly in your head.

Many will read the above and expect this to be a bit of a mess but somehow the clash of sounds works. Mellow Bravo have taken many differing styles and slammed them into a blender to create an enjoyable and unique cocktail. This might not agree with everyone but it will hold appeal for those with an eclectic taste. It doesn’t deliver all the goods on the first outing requiring several plays to get the most out of it. Pierce’s singing is as unique as the album and almost as mixed. He generally has a growling raspy style but shows he can take a more delicate approach when required. He is nicely complemented by Jess Collins who also provides plenty musically via the keyboards and it is her contributions that add the topping to this concoction. But it is the guitars that provide the real meat in terms of changeable style using many types of guitars and effects. Add all these ingredients together with a solid rhythm section and here is the result.

This will not be for everyone; especially those whose tastes are limited to a couple of similar and specific genres. But if you’re someone who takes pleasure from a plethora of music then this should offer plenty of entertainment.

Dave Scott