Coming off their first successful CD and tour, the group has just released a second, self-titled CD called " bluessmyth." It is a heavy, raw and powerful recording from the Canadian blues trio. The name of both the CD, and of the group, combines blues and smith (or smyth), for the symbolic forging of solid blues music with heavy, metallic overtones, and hidden gospel & soul influences.
Chris says, " This CD is heavier, and in some ways more thoughtful, than our first CD "30 Pieces Of Silver". On"?bluessmyth", the songs speak about permanent and universal things everyone goes through, like the choice between good and evil, the finding of your own place in this world, and of life and death. On this CD we wanted to tell stories."
The CD opens with " The Duel", a thunderous battle between guitar and drums - a classic blues call and response on steroids.
" Rollin' Penny" is a Texas - or should we say an Alberta - shuffle. It is about not fitting in with the " cool" crowd. It is an outsider's song with driving bass and drums. The song is filled with a wah wah slide guitar that sounds like a blues power saw.
" We wanted to record the disc with as live a sound as possible. We've been touring a lot, and wanted to capture the raw energy of how we sound on-stage, and I think we did that. Most of the CD was recorded right off the floor," adds Jason.
" Bring It On" mixes thick, layered guitars, resonant drums, siren-like organ trills, laden bass riffing, and power vocals. It is a classic, heavy blues song about living life on your own terms, and not allowing yourself to be pulled down.
"The Story of Emmett Till" is a trilogy telling the true story of a fourteen year-old African American boy, who was brutally beaten, mutilated and then murdered in Mississippi in 1955, for whistling at a white woman. Two men were arrested and tried for the crime, but were found not guilty by an all-white jury, and set free. The murder of Emmett Till, amoung other incidents, is widely believed to be one of the many triggering factors of the American Civil Rights Movement. The first part of the song, "?Innocence Bound", is an acoustic instrumental. The twelve-string guitars and swirling organ give the song an angelic sound, that suggests the young, guiltless life of Emmett Till. In Part II, " Run for Your Life" , with its pulsating bass and drums, and murky slide guitar, one can almost see the small, desperate Emmett running for his life from the murderous rogues. Part three is called " The Phoenix." It is a raucous tribute to the life of a blameless child whose death brought life to a movement that brought so much good to the world, out the ashes of evil.
"Take the Road" is a ballad with a southern feel and gospel overtones. It is about finding your own way in life and having the courage to stick to it.
In " Mean Mean Woman", metallic guitar riffing, an R&B groove, gospel organ runs, and leathery vocals describe the confusion of pain and pleasure.
" bluessmyth" is the namesake for the band, and is based on a centuries-old, good-luck myth. The tale is of a blacksmith named Henry, who is so accomplished in his trade that the Devil pays him a visit. The Devil comes to Henry's shop in the form of a goat, Mendes, and asks Henry to make some shoes for his hoofs. Henry, the wise old blacksmith, accomodates the Devil, but makes the shoes too small and too tight, so that they give the Devil pain every time he walks. Henry has left the Devil a painful reminder to stay away.
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