The Fleurieu Bluesbreakers – Lucky Seven | Album Review

The Fleurieu Bluesbreakers – Lucky Seven  

Self-Produced/Indiana Phoenix

www.facebook.com/fleurieublues

CD: 7 Songs, 27:00 Minutes

Styles: Contemporary Electric Blues Rock, Harmonica Blues, All Original Songs

The band name of Australia’s Fleurieu Bluesbreakers is distinctly French in origin. So is the phrase “déjà vu.” You might not have heard the original Lucky Seven tracks on their second CD, but when you do, you might experience that particular sensation. Don’t get me wrong: it’s good, solid blues, most notably on harmonica, but they remain enclosed within the proverbial envelope. Blues music (or any kind of music, for that matter) is often an avenue to explore and explain the events of one’s life. Each song reflects a particular autobiographical aspect of a band member. For example, the opener, “Tomorrow” was written an hour after leading man Brian Cain was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As a sort of bookend, the closer, “The Day of a Thousand Smackeroonies,” is a prologue about how one’s grown children will always be one’s babies. Vocally, Cain is smooth and steady, and the backup instrumentation is as strong as a heart monitor. Even though the CD runs under thirty minutes, it’s ideal for a short road trip.

The Fleurieu Bluesbreakers were formed by Brian Cain when he returned to the Fleurieu area of South Australia three years ago from interstate. The band consists of Cain on lead vocals and blues harp, Ross Brennan on guitar, Peter Jenkins on bass guitar and Jim Judd on drums. All members are long-time friends. Their style lies much in the vein of 1970’s artists such as Johnny Winter and Carson. After recording and beginning to promote their debut album, The Devil Lives on My Street (also reviewed by this magazine), Cain’s terminal cancer was diagnosed. Their sophomore album was originally meant to feature eleven tracks, but were only able to record their Lucky Seven in the short timeframe available after Brian was declared in remission. The Bluesbreakers now have a host of upcoming shows, both local and interstate, to showcase both albums. More information about them can be found via their record label Indiana Phoenix.

The following song is a peppy boogie-woogie, with a hilarious intro featuring Cain’s daughter.

Track 07: “The Day of a Thousand Smackeroonies” – “I’ll give you a smackeroonie, just as always, on your forehead.” “Daddy, I’m not a baby anymore.” “But you are to me…” “Uh-oh!” Listen to the full exchange for more laughs, and in the meantime, why don’t you swing dance? Reminiscent of the Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town,” it showcases hot harp by Brian Cain and a bouncy beat that just won’t quit.

Lucky Seven may not be all that long or all that provocative. No matter. It merits its name!

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