2015 – Hokahey! Records
By Phillip Smith; Nov 7, 2015
Ain’t Bad Yet, the
sixth album from Finnish blues-rock group Micke
Bjorklof & Blue Strip is an instant hit as far as I’m concerned. The lineup of the band remains the same,
featuring Bjorklof
(vocals/harmonica/guitar), Lefty Leppänen(electric
guitar/slide guitar), Teemu Vuorela(drums), Seppo Nuolikoski(bass) and Timo Roiko-Jokela(percussion/malletkat). Terrific songs and outstanding performances
with a rich southern vibe are key to the allure of this album, which by the way
is produced by legendary John Porter.
A saucy rhythm, joined with hot
harmonica licks, spill all over “Rat Race”, a spectacular jammin’ favorite,
reminiscent of one of my favorite bands, Phish.
I love the change of tempo when the band
breaks into “Sweet Dream’s a Sweet Dream”, a slightly spacy Hendrix-influenced treat. Leppänen’s
swampy slide guitar sounds so good on “Last Train to Memphis”, and “Today”.
Catchy blues-filed hooks and
a hard driving beat keep the anti-war anthem “Rain in Jerusalem” quite centered. This is such a powerful song. Bjorklof
delivers funky vocals and sweet harmonica over a really cool little bass-line
provided by Seppo on “Hold Your Fire
Baby”. Gritty blues sounds best with
some cool harp.
I dig the twangy “Blame It On
the Bright Lights”, with its catchy back-beat.
John Porter steps in with
guitar in hand and is joined by singers Lena
Lindroos and Veera Railio. This
song reminds me a lot of southern twangsters, Southern Culture on the Skids. I can’t help but feel good all over
when I hear it.
Ain’t Bad Yet
is a soulful blend of blues and country, making this eleven track album a
refreshingly cool listen from start to end.
Micke Bjorklof and Blue Strip
definitely hit this one out of the park.
