Big Boy Bloater

From the opening bars of 'Dirty Disco Blues', Big Boy Bloater serves up a high-octane cocktail of gut-bucket Blues, greasy R&B, and swampy Rock ‘n’ Roll, all delivered with his trademark gruff vocals and wry lyrical swagger. It’s a record that drips with groove and attitude, nodding to vintage sounds while keeping one foot firmly planted in the present.

“I wanted to create an album that feels like a nostalgic yet fresh playlist, something that captures the excitement and variety of music from the golden era of Top of the Pops”, says Bloater. “Each song has its own personality, but together they tell a story that’s as diverse and vibrant as the music I grew up loving.”

The album kicks off with the title track, 'Dirty Disco Blues', which opens with a slinky, menacing riff that feels like it could have been remixed by Daft Punk. The track fuses bluesy grit with funky, electronic undertones, creating a perfect blend of vintage Blues swagger and modern dancefloor energy. The rhythm section is tight and infectious, while Bloater’s gravelly vocals anchor the track in raw, unpolished Soul.

Next up, 'Kensington Gore' delivers a cinematic, almost noirish atmosphere, with its creeping bassline and swampy Blues undertones conjuring images of shadowy London alleyways. It’s the kind of track that wouldn't be out of place in a cult thriller soundtrack.

'I Don’t Miss You As Much as I Thought I Would' carries a distinct 'Spirit in the Sky' vibe, with its uplifting, Gospel-infused melodies and jangly guitar riffs. The track channels that classic feel-good energy, blending catchy hooks with a sense of cheeky detachment, making it both a heartfelt and playful reflection on moving on.

Then comes 'The Devil Went Down to Rehab', a clever twist on a familiar tale, dripping with Bloater’s dark sense of humour. The track grooves along with a shuffling beat and razor-sharp lyrics, proving that the Blues can still pack a punch when it comes to storytelling.

Midway through, 'Nasty Little Rash' ramps up the energy with a Garage-Blues stomp, while 'Bomb Factory' settles into a deep, infectious groove. Driven by a Rockabilly-tinged rhythm and Bloater’s effortlessly cool delivery, the track simmers with a laid-back swagger rather than full-throttle chaos. The interplay between the walking bassline and slick guitar licks keeps things moving, creating a hypnotic groove that’s impossible to ignore.

'Banging My Head Against the Wall' stands out as the album’s left-field moment, blending bluesy grit with an unmistakable '80s Pop sensibility. With a pulsing rhythm, shimmering guitar lines, and an almost New-Wave melodic edge, it nods towards a time when slick production met raw energy. It’s an unexpected but refreshing twist that showcases Bloater’s versatility.

'I’m A Lucky Old So and So' lightens the mood with a breezy, effortlessly melodic feel. The track’s easygoing groove and infectious hooks offer a refreshing contrast, blending rhythmic swing with a sense of warmth and charm. It’s a moment of pure uplift, proving that Bloater can just as easily switch from gritty bluesman to smooth storyteller.

As the album nears its end, 'SHUT UP!!!' comes charging in with a driving, razor-sharp riff and relentless energy. The staccato guitar stabs and pounding rhythm create an electrifying urgency, making it one of the most immediate, pulse-raising moments on the album. It’s a fiery, cathartic burst of frustration that refuses to be ignored.

Finally, 'Escape From the Planet of The Humans' closes things out in epic fashion, with an ominous groove and an eerie, Sci-Fi edge. A Mysterons-style sound effect motif runs through the track, adding an unsettling, otherworldly dimension to its apocalyptic atmosphere. It’s a fittingly cinematic end to an album that constantly shifts between gritty realism and surreal storytelling.

With 'Dirty Disco Blues', Big Boy Bloater once again proves why he’s one of the most unique voices in contemporary Blues. Gritty, humorous, and packed with hooks, this album doesn’t just tip its hat to the past - it grabs it by the lapels and drags it straight into the present. Fans of Bloater’s signature sound won’t be disappointed, and for newcomers, this is a perfect place to start.

Ivan De Mello