#655 : Until the Sun - Enchantment (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Until the Sun

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 13, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Phoenix blues-rockers Until the Sun has been on my radar since reviewing their previous album A Night at the Rhythm Room.  Their latest album Enchantment hits heavy with a fistful of hard-driving original songs peppered with psychedelia, and I love every bit of it.  Broken into two parts : “Enchantment Pt 1” and “Enchantment Pt 2”, the record is definitely album-oriented.  I find a fabulous musical-chemistry among the members of the band : singer Alyssa Swartz, guitarist Brandon Teskey (also on bass, sitar and vocals), and drummer Chris Tex.  They sound terrific together.        

I dig the funky groove that kicks off “Dancing on the Floor”.  Swartz’s voice sounds wonderful, as she belts out the lyrics in a fearless Pat Benatar-way.  The guitar solo from Teskey is masterfully attention-grabbing.  The combination of the two makes for an epic song.  Another solid dose of rock ‘n roll ensures on “Dragon Below” as it swiftly sweeps me off my feet with its opening riff.   It’s wonderous in the way the song takes ethereal dips embedded within its guitar-blazing glory.  Whipping out a thunderous bass-line and a cosmic guitar attack, Teskey injects a bluesy Pink Floyd-ish vibe into the only cover song on the album “Hound Dog“.  Nothing is held back vocal-wise as Swartz digs deep for her performance of this Big Mama Thornton hit.  “Seek the Sunshine” is a phenomenal serving of blues and sits among my favorites.  Soulful vocal growls and tuneful guitar licks make “Groovin” a sure-fire standout piece of original blues too.   “Ghost in the Prayer” brings the record to its end with a pulsing riff, angelic singing, and a trippy guitar performance, making for a cool-as-hell finale.        

Until the Sun is one of the more unique original blues-rock bands on the scene today and Enchantment is an album which I highly recommend.         

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://untilthesun.com

Link to PhillyCheeze review for  Until The Sun - Night at the Rhythm Room :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/04/603-until-sun-night-at-rhythm-room.html

#603 : Until the Sun - A Night at the Rhythm Room (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Independent

By Phillip Smith; April 1, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Until the Sun’s impressive live album A Night at the Rhythm Room is absolutely delightful.  This Arizona-based band comprised of guitarist Brandon Teskey, singer Alyssa Swartz, drummer Chris Tex, and bassist Jay Zarecki is one hell of a tight-knit unit.  The album, recorded at the legendary Rhythm Room in Phoenix contains elements of rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelia poured into their music.  They certainly have their own unique sound, and I like it a lot.

I’m lulled in to “The 4^th Turning” with a beautiful melodic introduction to be wowed by Swartz’s lovely yet powerful voice.  Teskey’s guitar prowess is downright amazing when he shifts into Jimi-mode on this hypnotic rocker.  The band serves up a nice greasy dish of downhome blues with “Hell of a Thing”.  Swartz’s vocal performance oozes with feeling and emotion and I love the tone Teskey gets out of his instrument.  His musicianship really shines.  The heavy-fuzz infused “Diamonds in the Dust” is felt right down to the bone.  Zarecki’s bassline adds to the weight of the song while Tex brings his own brand of thunder to this infectious rocker. 

Out of the ten tracks on this album, all are original except for two.   The first cover is a exquisite take on Etta James’ “At Last”.  The focus rightly turns to Alyssa on this track with good reason.  She has a phenomenal voice.  The second cover is a brilliant performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”.  Swartz sounds great singing it, and Teskey’s licks light up like fireworks.  With that song, the show ends on a high note leaving me wanting more.  

I highly recommend this record.  Now that Until the Sun is on my radar, I am going to keep a keen eye out for further releases.                            

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TRACKLIST

 

1. Battle Cry

2. The 4th Turning

3. Hell Of A Thing

4. Death In Disguise

5. Diamonds In The Dust

6. Unborn

7. At Last

8. Arisen

9. Burning Home

10. Whole Lotta love

 

For more information about Until the Sun, visit their website at :  https://untilthesun.com/