Beasts Blood, the debut six song EP album by Bricks, is an all-out attack on the senses from the instrumental opening “Snake Dream” to the stand-out track “I’m on Fire.” The energy of the band literally bursts through in each song, and Bricks and Beasts Blood are getting major notice, currently #4 on the ReverbNation Punk charts.
This style of blended music (rock, hardcore, punk, alternative) always strikes me in a way that I can never quite explain, but that’s ok. There’s a technical side to genre-mixing, especially rock/hardcore, that I’ve never found the words to describe. For me, punk is either amazingly good or horribly bad; there is no in between. But somehow Bricks manages to mix a little bit of everything into this kickass album that will rattle your teeth loose as it drips of Beasts Blood, and here is my go at giving it the justice that it deserves…
Kickin off Beasts Blood is “Snake Dream” and it’s the kind of song you listen to when you’re preparing for war. It plays around in your brain while you’re sharpening your knives and reapplying your blood red lipstick. It gets the heart pounding with every “woo!” and every riff. I dare you to play this on the way to take that exam you crammed all night for, ask your boss for a raise or are trying to pump your hungover ass up to face your job on a Monday morning…you will be victorious!
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1763023859 size=medium bgcol=333333 linkcol=e32c14]
The fight song on Beast Blood is “I’m on Fire” without a doubt! You may just be pounding your fist into the air, your steering wheel, your thigh – but you can feel the teeth of your enemy smashing against your knuckles just the same. Your feet want to kick and stomp something. Failure to react in any way but aggressively to this song could seriously put you in peril in the pit!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrQRpKDzMQ]
Then for your victory song – you must crank up “Keep on Rollin.” This is a triumphant straight whiskey shot; mixed with your blood and the blood of the vanquished. This song is a toast to your defiance, and your undoubted success. Drink it down – relish it! The punk quality of the vocals and the spiraling guitar solo hail your conquering spirit!
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1763023859 size=medium bgcol=333333 linkcol=e32c14 t=5]
The musicianship throughout Beast Blood is excellent, particularly the drumming which drives each track relentlessly, and is somewhat reminiscent of a certain Mr. Bonham on the early albums (and I don’t write that lightly). This power pushes the fine guitar work even harder, creating an overall very cool and cohesive sound. The lyrics are clear and blend well with musicianship that every member brings to the mix.
There is talent enough both in songwriting and playing to indicate that Bricks are a force to be reckoned with. Beasts Blood is the soundtrack for every inner warrior!
I give Beasts Blood 4 out of 5 Skulls!
By: Gemma Solomons, Music News Editor/Journalist