A couple of weeks ago I had a cheeky little email from a guy called Darren.

Before your mind descends into the gutter, it wasn’t THAT kind of an email, but a funny message regarding a rock and roll band that Darren is part of called “The 58 Shakes”

Using the medium of famous song lyrics, he wondered if I would be interesting in reviewing their CD.

Now, as a lover of that genre of music, I wasn’t adverse to listing to a new band, however so far I have not reviewed any music on my blog.

I normally wouldn’t consider it, but the email was so cleverly written, that I emailed him back and with even more song lyrics used, said I would give it a go.

A couple of days later an envelope popped through my door, and inside was their CD “33”. Darren had told me that the band originally started out singing covers of famous rock n roll songs, but had then moved on to writing their own songs.

Album Cover

Their CD contained 11 songs written by the band, with most vocals being provided by the female singer, Blu. The other four members Warren, Tim, Adam and of course, Darren play the instruments.

I popped the CD on and tried to sit down to have a good listen.

Now I have to admit this took me a little while. Not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but I kept getting interrupted. Then I had some family stuff. Then I had a couple of blogger events on top of working full time, and the days just kept running away with me.

However, once I sat down and listened to the CD I was in my element. Really different to listening to the classic rock n roll songs done over and over again.

I spoke with Darren who told me that the band had been together for four years, with a change in guitarist last December. They mainly gig in the Wiltshire area but you can find them as far afield as Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and even Norfolk!

Gigging

This first album “33” has a good mix of songs on, some more rockabilly, yet there are a couple of strolling songs on there too. The instruments work well together and compliment the sound they are looking for. Some great guitar playing as well as a very rhythmic toe tapping bass, especially on track 4 “Good Life”.

I asked Darren if there were any plans for another album and he confirmed that they are currently writing songs for, and to watch this space. The band take their musical influences from a wide genre including Elvis, Bob Marley and even The Police.  You can certainly hear a few of those influences in the songs they have written.

I have to admit, 0n it’s first listen there were a couple of tracks that just didn’t speak to me. I listened to the album again, and they piqued my interest a bit more, and by the third listen I was tapping along and really enjoying them.

Blu and the Band

I asked Darren what is favourite track was, and he told me “Graduation Day”. Whilst I like that track, my favourite has to be “Hey Freckles” as it is a pretty good jiver. The beat is moderate and has a great guitar middle section. I could see everyone getting up on their feet to dance to this one. I also love track 3, “When you’re not with me” A perfect tempo stroller.

I was also quite taken by track 6, “Cat Crawlin’ which is pretty much an instrumental track and really shows off the bands musical prowess.

All in all, I was very impressed by the CD and it has been on in my car for the past few days, and has grown on me even more!

Their gigs put together a great mix of their own songs and classic rock and roll, country and more. Everything from Johnny Cash to Eddie Cochran to Roy Orbison. Little Richard gets them up on the floor and even J.D Mcpherson is given the 58 Shakes treatment.

If you like a good mix of rock n roll, why not go and have a look at their website, which includes their up and coming gigs. In fact, they have just been confirmed to support rock and roll royalty Mike Sanchez in a gig on 30th June in Swindon. I reckon it will be a cracking night out!

The 58 Shakes

Lastly I would like to thank Darren for sending me the humorous email to start with! I genuinely loved the CD and hope to hear more soon.

*****Although this item was sent to me, it does not guarantee a positive review. All words and opinions are my own*****