Skyla Burrell – Broken 45’s
Independently Released
15 tracks/57 minutes
Skyla Burrell formed her band in 2002 with assistance of her partner and co-guitarist Mark Tomlinson. They also share writing credits on their songs. Blending blues and rock, this is their sixth release and features all new music.
Burrell now hails from Central Pennsylvania and was originally born in Southern California. Her voice is infused with the sound of a life well lived. She began playing music and writing songs in grade school. She joined her first band at age 15. He husband Mark began his musical journey as a drummer for John Lee Hooker, Bug Time Sarah, Bo Diddley and others. He switched to being a guitarist and he and Skyla have been at it with this band for over two decades. Also in the band are Ezell Jones on drums and Charlie Hilbert on bass.
The album opens to the title cut. Some hot guitar likes and gritty vocals get things started in thei song about memories and old broken records. Next is “Love Drug,” a shuffle where Burrell passionately tells of her lover’s prowess. More heavy guitar is featured once again. “Voodoo Love” offers a driving pace and jumping sound with slide and electric guitars blazing.
“Same Old Thing” is a tale of a man who keeps telling her things will get better yet things remain the same. Strident guitar and a driving beat are the order of the day here. “Hard Time” is a sweet boogie that jumps and jives with more wicked guitar. Things then slow down for a down and dirty track entitled “Other Side Of Night.” Sultry vocals and ringing guitar lead and solos grab the listener.
“Magic Stuff” is a love song of yearning for Skyla’s man and his magic stuff. She sings with grit and some more huge guitar solos
are offered up here. Then it’s “August,” another hot number with Burrell again delivering vocals with passion and hit. Blistering guitar and another driving beat help sell this one. “Cash Money” is some straight up blues with about life on a blues budget. Another impassioned performance.
‘Hard To Love You” is another blues rocker that tries to grab your heart and drag you down. Stinging guitarwork is featured here. “Rock The House” does just that, full throttle, in your face blues and rock. The pedal gets backed off for “Separated” where Burrell gives us a agutsy blues rock ballad of pain and suffering.
Up next is “Troubled Times.” Burrell gives warning and tells us trouble looms ahead. Driving, fiery guitar and hot vocals are offered up. “Blue Funk” does get the funk going as Burrell sings and the guitars again resonate with fire. The album concludes with “When You Coming Home,” another driving cut asking when her baby’s gonna get back home.
The dual guitars playing off each other and passionate vocal work will give blues rock fans more than enough to feed on and savor. This album has a big and ballsy sound that is not for the faint of heart. Burrell and her band offer up 15 piping hot new tunes for the listener to enjoy.
