Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm

Fronted by the rare and compelling dynamic of mother and daughter, Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm arrives with 'One Bullet Revolver', an EP that reinvigorates the Blues tradition with a distinctly modern sensibility and a powerful feminist edge. This musical powerhouse delivers five original tracks that blend emotion with thoughtful musicianship, eschewing Blues clichés for something fresh, vibrant and entirely their own.

The opener, 'One Bullet Revolver', immediately grabs attention with a guitar tone almost reminiscent of ZZ Top’s buzzy flow, yet the vocals veer away from the typical raspy Blues growl into something mellifluent, lending the track an approachable sophistication. Midway, a simplified Van Halen-esque guitar solo adds a tasteful flair, while a persistent Simple Minds-inspired lick runs subtly through the arrangement, providing a hypnotic thread that ties the song together.

'Going Low', the second track, dips into a rich Americana palette soaked in wah-wah effects, conjuring a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and explorative. It’s a textured, atmospheric number that proves the duo’s versatility and refusal to be confined by genre boundaries.

The album’s sweet centre is 'Beautiful Creature', which begins with Gospel-tinged warmth and soulful vocal delivery, slowly building into a crescendo that bursts into a Lynyrd Skynyrd 'Free Bird' style guitar solo: an ambitious, soaring moment that adds emotional depth and intensity to the record. This cathartic release sets the stage perfectly for the next track.

True to its title, 'Free Woman' channels strident empowerment, carrying the spirit of the EP’s feminist undercurrent with lyrics and a delivery that demand attention and respect. It’s a bold statement both musically and thematically, rounding out the core of the collection.

Closing the EP is 'Little Hands', a track that starts with a hypnotic intro echoing Jimi Hendrix’s 'Voodoo Chile', setting a Psychedelic tone that underpins the mother-daughter vocal interplay. Their harmonies recall a bluesier version of the Andrews Sisters, an unexpected but captivating blend of old-school tightness and contemporary grit. The track also features a meaty 'White Room' era Eric Clapton guitar solo that cements the song’s place as a powerful finale which is equal parts homage and innovation.

'One Bullet Revolver' is a confident and compelling EP that defies expectations. Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm masterfully blends tradition with modernity, creating a fresh voice for the Blues genre that is as much about storytelling and emotion as it is about musical craft. For listeners craving Blues with bite, soul, and a Progressive twist, this EP delivers in spades.

Ivan de Mello