The Anodyne Blues Band mixes the grit and swing of classic Chicago blues with the electricity and excitement of bands that have been turned on by them ever since. Led by Chris Botta, a guitarist and vocalist whose style shows equal parts Muddy and Duane, early Clapton and Jimmy Reed, the band’s originals simply must be heard. Harmonica player Christof Knoche rides shotgun with a sound that is a modern classic, equal parts Little Walter and 21st Century industrial.
Kicking off their debut set is the jump blues, “She’s Telling Me Off,” a song about a guy who seems to think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the bed. “Full Time Bills” tells the story of our tough economic times, where jobs are scarce and the cost of living keeps going up. Driven by a stop time beat contrasted with a swinging chorus, the song doesn’t lack for humor but brings the point home with a guitar and harmonica duel that captures the excitement of the ABB’s live show.
“Can’t Call Your Name” follows with some seriously down home, finger-picked slide guitar that is nonetheless very electric. The title refers to the unrequited love that we all know so well today, when someone just refuses to commit. “Saint John the Baptist” includes semi-rapped lyrics, Gospel tinged choruses and an incendiary harmonica solo that takes the song into the otherworldly realm of its namesake.
“I’m Leaving You” is a cover of pianist Otis Spann’s take on a theme that has been a staple of blues singers since before the flood. The up-tempo stomp features a tipsy slide break and an unhinged harp solo that echo the release of finally being able to say ‘so long.’
The second half of the set was recorded before Knoche’s joining but features a tight rhythm section with excellent chemistry. The slide rave-up, “Just Ain’t Right” features some greasy slide that manages to recall Muddy Waters and Duane Allman by turns. Cooling down the pace is “Lonely Girl,” a slow burner about a girl who manages to stay single, despite her many charms. The R&B flavored, “Rebound Blues” is driven by a catchy chorus and includes a funky outro. “Drunk Dialer,” based on a true story, combines a frenetic pace with smooth, fuzztone leadwork. The band’s hard driving version of the Robert Johnson’s “Stop Breaking Down,” closes with crunchy guitar and a solid, forceful groove topped by more incisive slide work.
The tracks were recorded at Seaside Recording and Excello in Brooklyn and the band utilized vintage tube equipment and as much analogue techniques as possible. The band’s live shows which continue to evolve but always manage to spread a little joy between musicians and audience alike.
