The Bloody Nerve – Taste

Just when you think you’ve heard it all and feel as though you could define almost any artist within a single boundary or genre, a duo like The Bloody Nerve show up and change the game completely. Since their formation in 2013, the Nashvillian duo, made up of Stacey Blood (Lead Vocals, Guitar) and Laurie Anne Layne (Lead Vocals), haven’t had the easiest of rides towards their dream. July last year saw a fire completely destroy Blood and Layne’s home and studio, delaying production and release of debut, and rendering the couple homeless.

In the midst of this, thanks to a strong support base, the duo persevered, and last month finally saw the release of their debut album, ‘Taste’ – a ten-track monument to a blend of genres, from American Blues, Soul, Motown, and Country, to good old fashioned Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is a true sounding duo who have faced their hurdles head-on, come out on the other side in one piece, and brought a new sharpened edge to their music, which is pretty triumphant in today’s music industry.

The opening track, “Place To Hide,” couldn’t be a better suited glimpse into the bands distinctive sound, and contains so much of what I love to hear within a song; funky bass lines, honky-tonk style piano, well-placed guitar licks, and the harmonised vocals from both Blood and Layne.

“Find Ya Love” is a terrific melodic track, which truly demonstrates Layne’s vocal range, and had a similar build and sound to “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks. From the hard-hitting, coarse notes in “Place To Hide”‘ Layne manages to bring it down to a soothing well balanced tone which sounds incredible accompanied by Blood’s clean guitar pattern picking.

“Luminol” made it as another one of my favourite tracks. The smooth guitar riffs and licks compliment the song so well, and give the song a deep blues vibe. The song also includes one of my favourite lines, “I guess she’s back on the wine,” which leads the song into an upbeat turn accompanied by a superb guitar groove.

“She” had something about it that reminded me of Python Lee Jackson’s “In A Broken Dream,” mainly due to the powerful guitar riffs accompanied by gospel-style piano/organ I think, but in a way I guess the husky tones of Layne’s voice are a million miles away from those of Rod Stewart. The lyrics tell the story of a slave working in a cotton field, whose faith and passion for singing is the driving force that gets her through each day. The songs subject is far from what you’d expect in a modern-era song, but is put together in such a tasteful and flawless way that it can be read in both a positive and solemn light.

I’d have loved to hear more songs that utilise both Blood and Layne’s vocals, in order to produce an edgier Blues Rock sound, like what is heard in “Place To Hide”. That being said, there isn’t a single track I’d want to change on ‘Taste’, simply due to how well each song introduces a new component to what makes The Bloody Nerve who they are.

There’s something seemingly mysterious and charismatic about The Bloody Nerve, which I think is what makes them sound so distinctive against so many other musicians. This is a band who sought out a specific sound, and were brought together by a genuine passion for producing wholesome, inspiring music, which is precisely what they’ve presented with this album. Luckily, they are expected to be announcing tour plans later this year, but in the meantime, make sure you pick up your copy of ‘Taste’, which is available via Amazon now!

Track Listing

Place To Hide
Local Honey
Find Ya Love
Changin’ Mind
Luminol
Strange
Long Way Home
Prayer At Night
Paint Shop
She

www.facebook.com/thebloodynerve/
www.thebloodynerve.com