North Mississippi Allstars
Electric Blue Watermelon

When the debut of the North Mississippi Allstars; "Shake hands with shorty", was released, many hailed it as a miracle. The album was a bolt from the blue and brought to light a great southern garage blues band.

A trio with a powerful and modern sound yet at the same time rooted in the tradition of southern rock and the purest blues. However, the group's following two albums ("51 Phantom" and "Polaris") were mediocre and did not repeat the magic of their first release. However, the group redeemed itself with the release of a splendid live album titled "Hill country revue live at Bonnaroo"; recorded at the festival of the same name (and which I will discuss in detail in a future post). After the live redemption, the fateful studio test was awaited to see what the group's real potential was.

And the new album fully lives up to all the promises and expectations. The trio (composed of brothers Cody and Luther Dickinson on drums and guitar, respectively, and bassist Chris Chew) was able to bring to the studio the atmospheres that characterize their incendiary shows. "Electric blue watermelon" is a record rich in inspiration, with strong southern moods that highlights all the group's potential. Recorded in the studio of the two brothers' father, Jim Dickison (a well-known producer and session man), the album benefits from the presence of some noteworthy guests who, with their contributions, make the band's sound even clearer.
It kicks off in grand style with "Mississippi Boll Weevil"; a cover of an old Charley Patton piece, a truly captivating electro-acoustic blues. As already happened with the live album, even in the studio the North Mississippi Allstars try to combine tradition and modernity. This combination finds its ideal example in "No mo" where a slide guitar intertwines with hip hop accents (courtesy of rapper Al Kapone) and the result is quite respectable. "Moonshine" is also wonderful, characterized by strong southern atmospheres and wouldn't have been out of place on one of the first Allman Brothers albums. Just to emphasize that the group hails from the deep south.

One of the album's guests is Lucinda Williams who lends her voice in "Hurry up sunrise", a country ballad where Luther emulates his idol Duane Allman, working as a fine craftsman on the slide. The influence of traditional blues and the sound of Othar Turner is also strong, as heard in tracks such as "Bang bang Lulu" and "Teasin Brown". Another guest is Robert Randolph, whose steel guitar stamps an irresistible groove to "Stompin my foot", perhaps the album's most captivating track. A funky blues with a killer chorus that will make your head spin wildly.
The blues then re-emerges in "Mean Ol' wind die down", where the slide constructs the melodic theme and interweaves with the counter-melody in response, creating a truly thrilling atmosphere. Also noteworthy is the final march "Fife and drum" once again influenced by the group's southern roots. In the European edition, three bonus tracks have been added, further enriching the album.

A truly splendid album that brings the North Mississippi Allstars back to their debut's popularity. The contribution given by the guests is fantastic, as they don't make a simple appearance, but with passion and inspiration, interpret the tracks written by the trio.

In short, a work between modern and tradition, sweated and played with great passion and inspiration. An album that grows with each listen and that you will fall in love with very soon.
Sensational!!!!