Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip – Outtakes
Hokahey! Records – 2024
9 tracks; 33 minutes
On Outtakes (2024), Finnish group Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip deliver their signature brand of high energy blues rock, delving into the archives and showcasing nine previously unreleased tracks from their over 30 year career. The album aims to capture the band’s evolving sound, but remains deeply rooted in electric blues rock. Seven of the nine tracks were written by Ville (“Lefty”) Leppänen.
“On Vacation”, the first track, opens with a John Lee Hooker-style, percussive guitar part that progresses into rhythmically saucy boogie-woogie. Bjorklof, in an energetic, soulful voice sings “I’m on vacation… wait until I see you there.” Lefty Leppänen shows clear skill on electric guitar on the high energy rocker.
Heavy handed percussion, provided by Teemu Vuorela on drums and Timo Roiko-Jokela, permeate “Heal You”, a blues-influenced rock tune featuring Bjorklof’s howling, unhinged harmonica, and philosophical and optimistic lyrics – “Hold on to your dream and it will make you stand…There’s a better way, but you’re not alone.”
Gnarly electric guitar kicks off “Dontcha Know”, the strongest track on the LP. Bjorklof delivers growling, low pitched vocals, singing “She’s a funky little woman, dontcha know”. The grit is palpable in this explosion of blues rock like the sound of amphetamine ringing out in irresistible wailing guitar solos and swinging harmonica.
Funky soul style grooves predominate “Bedtime Bomber”. Seppo Nuolikoski drives the tune forward with solid bass lines on the uptempo, richly orchestrated number. On top of the core band, Martin Winning provides saxophone and Matt Holland provides trumpet, creating a tapestry of sound.
Rapid fire electric guitar notes ring out in “Keep in Mind”, a rollicking, dance-able number with gaudy, explosive harmonica. Bjorklof takes an unrestrained, full-blown approach, blowing up and down the scale and his voice sounds more gravelly and street-weary than elsewhere on the album. He sings “If you mess around, you’ll be trouble bound.”
Country twang guitar is displayed on “Silver Moon”, a folk-rock love tune with waves of Leppänen’s guitar. Bjorklof sings “It feels so good to know there’s someone waiting for me to come home soon.”
The aptly named “Spooky Ride” showcases frenetic guitar and percussion. Bjorklof’s harmonica huffs and puffs in a tour de force of howling blues instrumentation. Lefty’s guitar rapidly ascends and descends the scale in the instrumentally driven track that leans into jazz with relentless melodic and rhythmic progressions.
While the lyrics don’t always reach the depth they could, the band excels when they embrace pure blues. Still, this retrospective is a strong collection, with Bjorklof & Blue Strip delivering energetic, soulful tracks that more than earn their release.
