Mitch Laddie: Faith and Other Bad Habits Review

Mitch Laddie, the UK-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, has steadily built a reputation as one of the modern blues scene’s most refined talents. Lauded by figures like Walter Trout and recognized by fans and critics alike, Laddie blends blues, funk, soul, and rock into a tasteful and stylish sonic landscape. With Faith and Other Bad Habits, he delivers a polished, genre-blurring record that showcases not only his technical skill but also his solid understanding of tone, feel and songcraft.

At its core, this is a blues album, but not the type steeped in grit or aggression. Instead, it’s a refined, feel-good collection that feels right at home in a late-night café or a dim-lit lounge. The production is clean and elegant, with each instrument given room to breathe. Laddie’s guitar tone rises above the mix with clarity and finesse, and his vocals are consistently captivating.

The album opens on a high note with “50 Shades of Blue,” a funky, swaggering track driven by a standout bassline and playful groove. It sets the tone perfectly: cool, confident, and full of style. “She Keep Me Down” shifts gears into more traditional territory, leaning into a Chicago blues feel with harmonica accents that add a street-level grit to the record’s otherwise smooth texture.

Another strong moment arrives with “Angels and Demons,” perhaps the most emotionally resonant track on the album. It’s a silky ballad that blends soft rock and subtle soul influences, giving the song a lush, melancholic charm. On the other side of the spectrum is the overdriven “Old Johnny Black,” which injects a fuzzed-out blues rock edge into the mix. It’s a welcome burst of energy that adds variety without feeling out of place.

The instrumental track “Hinode” is another highlight. Laddie’s guitar work is expressive and restrained, proof of his mature sense of when to play and when to hold back. “Faith,” meanwhile, stands out for its gospel undertones and saxophone-infused jazzy coloration, serving as a richly layered piece that underscores the album’s range of styles.

Overall, Faith and Other Bad Habits is a confident, well-crafted album by an artist who clearly knows his voice and how to use it. For fans of modern blues with an elegant twist, this is a solid listen: refined, emotive, and quietly compelling.

The Review: 7.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Angels and Demons
– Old Johnny BlacK
– Hinode
– Faith
– 50 Shades of Blues

The Big Hit

– 50 Shades of Blue