I am at that age where youngsters scare me, they talk in their own language that I don’t understand, they do things that I can’t work out, dress weirdly and frankly, I am not all that keen.
There’s the odd exception, of course, and four of them are right here. MV has a history with The Blue Highways, on their debut I announced proudly that “this one’s for the dreamers”. A year later they followed it up with a full length album and which I proclaimed: “you can also say for certain that the best new UK Americana band is right here.”
Elsewhere in that review, a year or so ago I wrote something that I consider to be quite prophetic looking back: “So up to a point” I mused, “you can still say it will be interesting to see how The Blue Highways develop as they progress.”
Now if most of my shouts are utter nonsense – Harry Kane was not “a one season wonder” and Romelu Lukaku was not, in truth, “an absolute donkey” – this one was bang right, because whilst “I Wanna Party” is not a change of huge proportions, its more Elton John than dusty back roads Americana.
Think of it, really as side five of “The River” because there’s something of the rock n soul revue about the title track. The first verse namechecks the Kardashians, Bitcoin and Tesla’s (see what I mean about modernity?) but the organ and guitar licks are sublime.
“Love Keeps Wasting My Time” dials up the Springsteen a touch, and we’ve all been there, ditched by a girl that you can’t work out why. The trick is to get a fabulous song out. Crucially, though, the lyrics here call America “the promised land” and you know where the hearts of the Lury brothers (who make up three quarters of this lot) really belong. They are in the thrall of this music, and to them, making it is natural.
“She Moves” – the single from this – is mighty. Raw, but on its own terms, utterly glorious harmonies, and a vibe straight out of Muscle Shoals, while the organ is integral to “Shut Up And Drive” too.
The interesting thing about this is that for a young band, it has no truck with 2021 (sound-wise at least). Absolutely none. Indeed, its tempting to imagine them rifling through their parents record collection and dreaming. Dreaming of the day when they could emulate their heroes.
With each release The Blue Highways are getting better – and that day they’ve always wanted is coming closer into view. Quite simply a four song gem that proves once more that we have something special to love here.
Rating 9.5/10