The sounds of the '60s British Invasion are back with vengeance by way of Denmark. The Blue Van are four talented young Danes who are following in the tradition started by The Yardbirds, The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones and many others, taking American Rhythm and Blues from masters like Howlin' Wolf and making it their own. You can hear the influences in the band's playing, but their sound is unique and refreshing.
"We love all '60s music. So we gather inspiration from all these old acts, not only just the pop-rock bands from the '60s, but also the bluesy stuff and the soul stuff," lead singer and guitarist Steffen Westmark, who bears a resemblance to Ray Davies, told soulshine.ca.
The band creates 40 minutes of outstanding, moptop-shaking rock and roll with only two worthwhile diversions in the middle. "Word From The Bird" begins the album with the beating of the snare, the stuttering guitar then the whole band kicks into gear as the organ takes the lead. Throughout The Art of Rolling, Soren V. Christensen plays the Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer, Vox Organ and Mellotron. He is the main ingredient that makes this band stand out from the pack and its sound hearken back to the old days
"Product of DK" starts up with Jorgenson's drumming. He plays like Keith Moon, teetering on the brink of chaos, yet totally in control. His drumming is thunderous, and he rarely plays rhythm on the album nor should he as good as he is. Someone shouts off mike in the background and then the vocals kick in with an enthusiastic "Yeah Yeah," which appears throughout the song. It is so simple, yet works so well. It is completely infectious and the audience at gigs will surely join in.
Article comments
1 - Samantha
This review is so spot on. The band freaking rocks live and so does the cd. I LOVE IT!!!!
2 - Manfred Zahringer
Hey El Bicho,
This is such a fantastic review! It describes the band so comprehensively, down to the last detail. El Bicho's insight into 'The Blue Van's live performance and artistic direction couldn't have been more breathtakingly accurate. He describes so perfectly and with huge enthusiasm what you experience, when you witness the live performance as a member of the audience. He's right when he says there's an element of hypnosis, you can't quite place them, but nevertheless you are drawn into their energy. He raves about the excitement and the uniqueness of The Blue Van and how they have taken the 60s genre and very much made it their own....
"Unique and with a style that's there's alone"
"This is not just another 60's retro band"
..... and he's dead right.
Manfred Zahringer
THE BLUE VAN's international management
3 - El Bicho
Manfred,
While I appreciate your gracious compliments, as I further read them I discovered you attributed quotes to me I did not make. I did not review their concert, only their album.
El Bicho