Review BLUES PILLS “Birthday”

Swedish rock’n’roll enthusiasts seem to have been around for a long time. However, “Birthday” is ‘only’ their fourth longplayer and it is a very strong one. It is the pure joy of making music that radiates with every note played, and this may have something to do with the special situation in which this album was created.

“Birthday” is much more than just the title of this release. There is a real birthday connected to this album, as singer Elin Larsson found out that she was pregnant while the band was in the middle of writing the songs.

Secondly, the band is releasing “Birthday” through Throwdown Entertainment, making it the first album that isn’t coming through Nuclear Blast.

The whole setup has allowed Blues Pills to follow their musical heartbeat and it is the freedom to create the music they love that gives “Birthday” a diverse and authentic feel.

Photo: Dana Trippe

The first three songs fulfil their role of setting the tone for the album. The energetic and powerful title track, which opens the album, followed by the bass-driven “Don’t You Love It” with its addictive chorus and the infectious “Bad Choices”, all express the spirit of the album and act as an appetizer for the rest of this thunderous release.

The touching “Top of the Sky” is one of these songs that follow, with Elin Larsson’s great voice being the emotional centerpiece. Bluesy and very rhythmic is “Like a Drug”, which is addictive because of its harmonies.

Basically you can drop the needle wherever you want. It will always be great music with a positive vibe that will reach your eardrums. “Birthday” is about creation and not destruction, which gives each of the songs a rebellious spirit.

“Somebody Better” is another very emotional moment on the album. The beginning is quiet and comes with an ease. The ease remains as the energy level rises and once again the vocals are the emotionally transporting element with the music providing the foundation for such a great performance.

“What Has This Life Done With You” brings a great album to a satisfying finish. The song is a touching finale and rounds off a release that is driven by the essence of rock. Each of these eleven songs comes straight from the heart and you can almost hear and feel that there is a fifth heart beating strongly.

Blues Pills deliver their masterpiece with “Birthday”, which is even more impressive knowing the excellent first three longplayers from the Swedes, and if you miss this release, you can’t blame anyone but yourself.