Blistered Palms
2008 EP BFP Inc
Reviewed by Stu Wright
14 February 2008
To be honest, Blistered Palms had me when I read that the second song on their new E.P., ‘B.F.P. Inc.’, was called ‘Jane Reilly’. I eagerly examined the lyrics sheet, and they grabbed me closer. I placed the CD into my Denon, cranked the Amp and from the first track, they had me. It’s been a while since I’ve heard anything this rocking and honest come out of Adelaide. And what’s more, it’s bloody good.
Blistered Palms are a 4 piece outfit, comprising Steve on lead vox, Decay on bass and vox, Jace on drums and Mark Ess on guitars and vox. From track one ‘Where I Belong’, the boys slot straight into gear, combining a heavy pub rock sound with slightly classier guitars and a little left of center lyrics…I thought immediately of Pantera and Bloodhound Gang vs. late GNR and, dare I say, the Rock and Roll swagger of Status Quo. It’s all about getting pissed with your mates, driving fast and hooking up with lovely ladies. Rock and Roll!
Don’t think it’s that simple though, there’s an old school attitude here and a willingness to rock it out that is very sadly lacking in many contemporary releases. Fear of volume is not a good thing, that’s why there is a range of ‘Dynamics’. Everything turned down to four may be sweet, but sometimes you just need to feel it. That’s Rock. And rock, Blistered Palms do.
‘Jane Reilly’ is a treat. It’s worth the E.P. purchase alone. A little quote: “I need to know what makes her sigh / Anything she wants I’d try / My Fat Cat Costume is on the bed / What’s a boy to do?” Absolute, solid gold. Track three ‘In the Stars” shows great diversity, it’s a haunting instrumental featuring a Spanish styled melody and feel over some tasty progressions. Mark Ess can definitely play, and play well he does throughout the recording.
‘Grace’ would have to be the ballad of the set, and it’s got quite a different feel to the other tunes. Firstly, it meshes effectively Creed with Soundgarden, creating great 90’s anthemic love rock. Secondly, it gives Steve a chance to show his vocal diversity, with a good range and good melody choice, and then by surprise the sing ends with a reprise of ‘In the Stars’. Moving stuff indeed.
Now, just when you think ‘this is great’, along comes an AWESOME reworking of the Mark Bolan / T. Rex tune ‘20th Century Boy’. I’d imagine that this would go off live, and if you liked the original you’ll love this. It’s unexpected and well thought out. As covers go, this is worthwhile.
B.F.P. Inc. rounds out with the E.P.’s title track, and rock hard ‘B’F’P’ INC’ does. Blistered Palms are Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll played at eleven. And that’s ultimately what they’re about, bless their cotton socks. If you want some good honest rock with some pleasant surprises, I can’t recommend this release highly enough. GO GET SOME!
