Blues Pills have recorded a more cerebral and beautiful album than their first release.

This is the much-anticipated second studio release from Sweden's Blues Pills; the dynamite debut album and live release that this follows took the band from minor support slots to headlining tours in a very short space of time. This will be the studio debut of drummer Andre Kvarnstrom, who joins bass guitarist Zach Anderson, guitarist Dorain Sorriaux, and singer Elin Larsson. The addition of keyboards and backing vocals has given this album a much fuller and better produced sound, courtesy of Don Alsterberg.

Title track 'Lady In Gold' reminds us why Larsson is regarded as one of the most soulful and original singers to emerge in years, and the song grooves in all the right places. 'Little Boy Preacher' is infused with an energetic Gospel flavour, and the music Rocks hard; it's truly an ambitious piece that has the band creating a whole new musical world for BP. Sorriaux's playing continues to blossom; slick, professional and soulful, he breathes life into every song. 'Burned Out' smoulders under his slide guitar playing, whilst Larsson's vocals weave around the song's musical tapestry. 'I Felt A Change' is a commanding vocal, and Larsson, accompanied by only a keyboard, takes complete control of the mood as her voice cuts deep into your heart.

BP created their musical foundations upon a Blues Rock formula, and 'Bad Talkers' and 'Won't Go Back' take us back in that direction, with impressive results. The pulsing darkness of 'Gone So Long' reminded me of Jex Thoth's more esoteric work, complete with dark and vivid fantasy elements. 'Elements And Things', a Tony Joe White cover, will be familiar to anyone who attended recent shows; here it arrives with a little more polish. 'Won't Go Back' is a whirlwind of hair-raising vocals, and a journey through Rock 'n' Roll adrenaline. Take a quick breath, then 'Rejection' follows suit; pounding rhythms lock into the guitars as they take off in a blur of emotion.

Without sacrificing any of the band's musical thunder, Blues Pills have recorded a more cerebral and beautiful album than their first release.

Ray Paul