Mad Shadow: Heavy Blues Review

For those that pine for the classic rock sound, Mad Shadow is definitely a band for you. Heavy Blues is the second album from Vancouver based Mad Shadow. The band consists of Erik Olufson singing vocals, Daniel James on guitar, most recent addition Cole George on drums and Buddy Lindgrin on Bass. Mad Shadow has been perpetuating the classic heavy rocking sound since 2007.

Heavy Blues kicks off with “Rocking Chair,” a song that screams of the Led Zeppelin influence Mad Shadow proudly claims to have. Rolling effortlessly into “Bad Man,” Heavy Blues brings just what it is titled- a heavy blues feel. The title track slows things down a bit, in a seven minute guitar-heavy track before picking the pace right back up with “Poppin’ (Up on Suzie).  “Poppin’” echoes the nostalgic feel with a chorus line of “Well they say it ain’t the same as it used to be/ But the people only see what they want to see.”

“The One to Get” is by far the sultriest track on Heavy Blues. Its smooth sound brings a smokey feel to the album.  Aptly named “Headed Down to Georgia” brings a bit of a southern twang into the picture. Mad Shadow sends us off with “What I Told You Before” which crescendos up into the end with the consistent classic blues rock sound and wraps up the album.

If the classic and nostalgic sound of the ’70s is what you’re looking for, Heavy Blues is a hit. Mad Shadow channels their influences extremely well but fails in making any distinction in sound to set them apart. With that said, Heavy Blues still provides the listener with a quality full rock sound that will leave you feeling satisfied.

The Review: 6.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Rocking Chair
– Bad Man
– Poppin’ (Up on Susie)
– Heavy Blues

The Big Hit

– Heavy Blues

Review by Alysha Rendflesh