It took us a while to fully understand the ethos behind Blunt Blade. You see, the talented American creative seems not to be tied to a particular scene, or even a particular genre. Instead, he’s a free-floater, navigating the aural space continuum and borrowing any element that might tickle his curiosity. We should have seen it coming, given the extensive list of influences that make Blunt Blade who he is today, ranging from Frank Zappa to Radiohead, Miles Davis to Iron Maiden.
‘Forgiveness’ is a good entry point into the Winona-based project. A nuanced and condensed album, the record collects eight euphoric and eclectic episodes, all steeped in inventive instrumental flair and quirky lyrical prowess. Judging by the opener act, ‘Sprawling’, one might be inclined to consider it a prog rock record. Yet, follow-up ‘Justified’ is decisively more leftfield and measured, with spacious vocal effects crowning towering drum grooves and an overall dramatic, theatrical livery.
Further on, ‘The Journey to Hope/Esperanza’ reveals fleeting traces of cinematic storytelling (and perhaps hints of a concept album), with a pop and prog-rock lenient instrumental that never disappoints. Blunt Blade’s baritone vocals are malleable and luscious, never shying away from elegant melodies and more intense sections. Moreover, they have a timeless factor, making the project’s material hard to place into a specific decade. We obviously know that the record was made today, but the unsuspecting listener will not. This speaks volumes about Blunt Blade’s rich artistry.
Recommended! Discover ‘Forgiveness’ on Spotify and YouTube:
