Blue Ether was formed by five Chicago musicians after the pandemic. After a year of working in the studio and releasing many singles, Blue Ether is now completely committed to touring the incredible live music scene of the American Midwest and beyond. Their music spans from a raw, edgy garage sound reminiscent of the Ramones and The Hives to more driving grunge rock like Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam to straight-up rock and roll inspired by the Foo Fighters, Muse, and Queens of the Stone Age.
The band is comprised of five musicians (Mike Gussis on Bass Guitar,
James Hedrick on Lead Guitar, Jude Lemrow on Drums, Michael Rice on Guitar & Vocals, and
Robert Tobin on Lead Vocals) and they have just released a brand new album, self-titled.
Apathy opens the work with a relaxed arpeggio and becomes a pure grunge mid-tempo. There is another change, almost punk, around 1.30, with a cool guitar solo as well. A good start! The following track Knocked Down, is pacey, with great bass lines a very catchy chorus and again, a punk spirit. Ramones vocals and atmospheres for the third track, BLIND, while One for the Road has some unexpected country acoustic vibes (I love the guitar work!).
The second half of the album features all the band's previous singles. Hold On and Hivemind features very cool riffs (the guitars sound so good!) and a tight rhythm section, with vocals between Ramones and The Cure (to my ears, at least). Speaking of riffs, I love the almost metal one of All U Need: heavy distortions and a tapping solo, definitely the heaviest track in terms of sound, with sort of melodic vocals that create a good and peculiar contrast. Probably my favourite track on the album, if I have to choose one. Pop punk closure for Cruel, with 80s alternative vocals and very cool riffs, both bass and guitar.
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