Altered Five Blues Band: Hammer & Chisel Review

The Milwaukee-based blues powerhouse Altered Five Blues Band returns with their eighth studio album. Titled Hammer & Chisel, the new record hits the shelves on February 27th via Blind Pig Records. On select tracks, the quintet is joined by Jason Ricci on harmonica, as well as Max Abrams and Julio Diaz on sax and trumpet, respectively. The album, produced by Tom Hambridge, consists of 11 original tracks showcasing exactly what made this award-winning group remain at the forefront of contemporary blues for over two decades.

Hit play and the first few bars of “I Got It Good” drag you right in. The drums pump energy with driving rhythm, while the horns blast in high register. Bluesy, gritty guitar work, a creative bass line, and Hammond screaming in the background. The band works together in perfect sync to make this track irresistible. Oh, and did I mention Jeff Taylor’s vocals? They are something else – radiating power and soul. “Dare Me to Do It” is a slow blues number with overdriven harmonica solos throughout. Sonically, this track slightly resembles early Kenny Wayne Shepherd work. Lovely piano adds to the rich soundscape that is elevated even higher with a killer wah-soaked guitar solo. This is followed by a mean shuffle tune called “Who Can You Trust”, and a jazzy, cosy, major-key slow blues “Lotta Love Left in Me” with some amazing piano playing.

A tight drum beat is the backbone of the groovy and rebellious title track. Hats off for absolutely nailing the dynamics in “Hammer & Chisel”. Certain subtleties leading into the guitar solo only make it hit harder later down the line. Drums switch to half-time on occasion, and the band tries to play as little as possible during verses to really allow Taylor’s vocals to shine. Great track! Speeding things right back up is “Can’t Shake It”, an upbeat blues tune drawing inspiration from the blues masters of old. Cool tom-laden drum groove in the mid-section followed by a brief bass solo make this track really tasty. On the other hand, it’s the guitar that stands out in “Headline Blues”, proving that the ‘dirt’ is not in effects but in the hands of the guitarist – wonderful performance.

Next up, it’s a slow-burner packed with emotion, titled “Hell or High Water”. My word, when those vocals hit, they send shivers down the spine. “My Love Ain’t a Lie” is a funky track with a great question-response dynamic between the guitar and keys in the intro and choruses, followed by “Crazy One”, a song that is as fun as the title suggests. The quirky piano adds sprinkles on top of a slightly paradoxical groove – laid back but driving forward at the same time, very difficult to explain, you got to feel it. The album is then closed in style with an empowering statement delivered with soulful vocals in “The Will of Man”.

Hammer & Chisel is an honest, no-nonsense, sonically coherent collection of truly well-written songs covering a wide range of styles and dynamics all put together with great taste and musical maturity. Top-notch musicianship, blues vocals masterclass, and undeniable band chemistry is what makes this record so special. Blues fans, you have every reason to be excited – this one is a must-hear!

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– I Got It Good
– Dare Me to Do It
– Hell or High Water
– Crazy One

The Big Hit

– I Got It Good