Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Sheffield is famous for many things, especially its music. From the Human League to Pulp and all points in between and all those to come after, the silver runs through the veins of its people like a smelting pot of finely cast talent and bronzed off honesty.
To add to that fire though, to be immersed into the ever increasing foundation in which the city runs and which its seven hills rivals Rome, maybe not in spectacular views but for what it contains deep in its heart, and the life blood that nestles within its upright standing of its ordinary citizens; takes something special, it takes bands like the aforementioned Human League or Pulp to really get the attention of the wider world. The city doesn’t seem to mind that in terms of what is has contributed music wise doesn’t match the output of Manchester for example or Glasgow, Newcastle or Edinburgh, for what it has given it has given freely with honour and into the fiery molten mix should be included the tremendous band the Mudcats Blues Trio.
That honesty that lives within the heart of the ordinary working person, the authenticity of Sheffield’s finest is stamped throughout the band’s combustible and enthusiastically driven self-titled new album and the heat that comes off the three members is like taking down some bread to Satan’s over-subscribed pit and asking if the Devil has got time to make some toast, not only is it done with relish, it is perfected and enjoyed.
Recorded at the Tesla Studios in Sheffield, the album’s 11 songs have been conceived with an intense glint in the eye, they have been born with the stamp of heat but with the angst of purity thrown it. Like a baby inheriting the biological make up of both its parents, Chris Wragg, Matt Doxey and Jon Reed have combined to deliver something that is both wholesome and a little dirty as well, the result is just superb.
With tracks such as Times Have Changed, Where The Cold Winds Blow, Drowning In The Flood and Gates Of Hell all playing a major part in the album’ overall Blues divine purpose, it is something to appreciate. It is to be held at arms-length from any deity or miscreant, for an album steeped in both camps, Mudcats Blues Trio is only for Humanity to enjoy and salivate with heated breath over.
Ian D. Hall