You can always tell a lot from the bands a band tours with. It’s usually a good indicator of the sound, yes, but also the level they’re at.
In the case of Caitlin Krisko And The Broadcast, they’ve shared the stage with artists such as Mavis Staples, Marcus King, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers, Greta Van Fleet, and Robert Jon & The Wreck.
And if you’re thinking “funky, soul-filled blues,” you’re bang on the money.
Speaking of bang on the money, so are these six tracks.
“Devil On Your Side” is at once funky with a nose for trouble. How much trouble? Let’s just say Caitlin Krisko wants your soul. Who’s in?
She’s adept at changes of pace, though. “Blue Monday” gives the air of being as warm as a summer breeze, but strip it away, and it’s raw.
It’s a true skill to write songs like this. And “Blueprints” is packed full of them. Smooth, well-played, all the time, but occasionally fun and funky. “You came in looking for love,” she sings on the highlight that is “Piece Of You” before adding: “you’re leaving with an IOU,” as sassy as it is rocking. The solo alone suggests this is a real force.
She’s a surrounded by fantastic musicians too. guitar player, Aaron Austin is from the top draw, as the full-on Blues’n’Soul of “Haunted By You” proves—and if we haven’t spoken about her voice yet, then the raspy, deep tones here are superb.
“Operator” is another funky one, and it’s fun. A breakup song, okay, but woe betide the fella who cheated here. Whatever’s coming isn’t worth the dalliance, that’s for sure.
An album of so many moods, though. Expressive in a way that only the Blues can be, it ends with a beauty of a ballad.
The organ swirl on “Have To Say Goodbye” is a fantastic thing. So much so, it upstages Caitlin Krisko—and that takes some doing.
It becomes even more poignant when you factor in the fact that the songs are born out of tragedy. Krisko lost her mother last year, and “Blueprints” reflects those emotions.
It does it brilliantly. It’s a fitting tribute, but way more. It is a statement of intent.
Rating: 8.5/10
