The Blind Dead McJones Band: Last Resort Mexico Review

Last Resort Mexico is the new album from The Blind Dead McJones Band. From Leeds, UK, outside of London, this is the backing band for Blind Dead McJones. The band’s story states that McJones never made it to his debut performance and instead of performing with the band, he instructs. “Sometimes” making guest performances, the front man may be fictional. In the band’s story, he is known to be apart of the “Keyzer Soze family,” meaning he doesn’t exist.

The trio consists of Ben “Buddy” Slack (vocals and guitar), Andy “The Cake” Johnson (bass), and Steve “Wee-Man” Nixon (drums). With influences including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, ZZ Top, AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age, Johnny Cash, and Tom Waits, their unique sound is bluesy with grit and grime. It’s much more rock and roll.

The self-titled song, “Blind Dead McJones,” is an autobiography of things which haven’t yet taken place. The song begins with pounding drums as a gravely voice joins in. Screeching guitar and bass riffs join the mix. Midway through the song, there’s a brief, yet incredibly impressive guitar solo.

“B3D” is a strange track sounding like a mix between Frank Zappa and Tom Waits’ vocals over a slow bass line. “BOOBZ” is a rock song that makes you want dance along. It rotates from a heavy rock sound, to slow background music during Slack’s vocals. “Haunted” starts off with an awesomely heavy baseline that is quickly joined by a raunchy guitar riff. Halfway through the song, Slack screams and moans before unexpectedly returning to the previous riff.

The album’s title track, “Last Resort Mexico” is more ZZ Top than B.B. King. Halfway through the song, Ben Slack talks through a story while the symbols and bass compliment him before the guitar breaks into a funky blues breakdown.

The bonus live track on the album, “Wolf Howl,” features various instruments and guest performances including a keyboard, harmonica, saxophone, and a guest guitarist. The saxophone, guest vocals, and piano solo bring a bluesy New Orleans sound to the track. This last song on the album makes people want to get out and see them. It proves that the band is also remarkable live.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Blind Dead McJones
– Last Resort Mexico
– Wold Howl

The Big Hit

– Last Resort Mexico

Review by Dana Ainsworth