Touring legends Bright Light Social Hour are at it again with their kick-ass new album Space Is Still The Place. Courtesy of band mates Jack O’Brien, Curtis Roush, Edward Braillif, and Joseph Mirasole, this compilation will be just another step of progress in the name of Rock. Woven with funk, soul, psychedelic tones, and straight good ole fashion rock n’ roll, this album brings a unique sense to the scene moving this band up in the ranks alongside artist like Moon Taxi, The Tontons, and Quiet Company.
The premise behind the album comes straight from Bright Light’s insane touring schedule throughout the south. After their southern binge, they created the concept of “Future South” and collaborated to bring this idea to life.
The album starts off with a bang with the song “Sweet Mandele,” a western trip backed by a Beatles mentality. The drums provide an almost tribal element as the guitar rings out bluesy chords with the occasional post punk twist. However, you will receive inexplicable chills once the breakdown occurs. Slowing tempos and spacy vibes turn suddenly into the perfect indie dance tune.
The next song to turn to on this album is “Dreamlove.” Bringing out that synth that fans adore these days, this song brings you back to 80’s culture, releasing memories for those who remember when the Jam and Bauhaus reigned supreme. Diving deeper underneath the musical fills, the bass line is quite amazing. A total jam song you should play at your next party – trust me, the entire song seems to be about getting high.
The bass lines only get better with “Ghost Dance.” Starting off with killer bass runs accompanied by those Jimi-inspired guitar riffs, “Ghost Dance” is just another hit on this album. By this song, fans will get a sense of Jack White-esque writing.
Their slower tune, “Sea of the Edge,” is also noteable. The guitar gets more simplified, and a jazzy tone shines through. This song is one of the more generic sounding listens on this album, reminding us more of their genre counterparts, really.
Such basicness becomes completely overruled once “Outerboros” hits your speakers. With repetition, this band brings the blues back with yet another Jack Whitey sounding song, yet still possessing that badass southern feel.
The next song shows BLSH’s diversity by bringing forth a pop sounding beat. The drums are tight as the guitarist strums those chill chords. The song holds true to the BLSH sound, but adds more of a radio-sounding side to their portfolio.
The album overall is worth a listen. There truly is a song for anyone. Good job, boys.
Be sure to catch BLSH on tour (dates below), and pre-order Space Is Still The Place here and here for vinyl.
5/5
BLSH Spring Tour Dates:
3/5 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Early Show)
3/6 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Late Show)
3/7 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
3/27 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s **Official Album Release Show**
3/31 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
4/1 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
4/2 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
4/3 Orlando, FL @ The Social
4/4 St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre
4/6 Macon, GA @ Cox Capitol Theatre
4/7 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
4/8 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle – Back Room
4/9 Washington DC @ DC9
4/10 Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
4/11 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East (Upstairs)
4/12 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
4/14 Montreal, QC @ Quai Des Brumes
4/15 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
4/16 Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Brewing Co
4/17 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
4/18 Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theatre
4/19 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway Nightclub
4/21 Nashville, TN @ The Stone Fox
4/22 Little Rock, AK @ Revolution Music Room
4/23 Tulsa, OK @ Vanguard
4/28 El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace
4/29 Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
4/30 San Diego, CA @ The Hideout
5/1 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg HIFI
5/2 Costa Mesa, CA @ The Wayfarer
5/3 San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
5/5 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
5/6 Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
5/8 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
5/9 Spokane, WA @ The Bartlett
5/10 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
5/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
5/13 Denver, CO @ Bluebird
5/15 Dallas, TX @ The Kessler Theater
5/16 San Antonio, TX @ Jack’s Patio Bar
6/6-7 Houston, TX @ Free Press Summer Festival