Eli Cook Band - ElectricHolyFireWater (2007)

Black Sabbath, Z.Z. Top and Motorhead, now what on earth can these three bands have to do with the Blues? A good question, but unfortunately not one that I have the slightest inclination to start to answer here; but, Eli Cook who is from Nelson County, Virginia might have some answers to the riddle; for he pursues two musical furrows. One being, a solo acoustic Downhome Blues singer and this, his other musical passion, the fusing of Iron Hard, Metal with powerfully fluid Downhome Electric Blues. Well, for me, it works, for when combining the primal feelings of the rawest blues with metal’s bludgeoning, unexpressed, even possibly repressed emotions, it is here that the music is given its shape and form.
Intricate guitar runs and gentle flurries that would normally be associated with a normal Blues album are happily lurking in amongst the alleged musical maelstrom. Waiting for their moment to pounce upon unsuspecting ears; whilst the cacophony of relentless jagged, snarling, guitars and drums continue to assault the senses.
The darkly menacing guitar sounds that violently erupt from the speakers with little regard for the frailties of the human state also deliver gentle soothing acoustic time bombs throughout the whole proceedings
This seemingly, is Eli and the bands preferred choice of musical expression and when you consider the effect of his coarsely hoarse vocal delivery when matched together with the music it all makes perfect sense.
Joining Eli who takes lead vocals and guitar are Eric Yates; bass, and Jordan Marchini; drums. Only two of the twelve numbers are covers Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles in the Sand,” and Willie Dixon’s “Backdoor Man.” The remaining ten are delightful original compositions, veritable little toe –tappers.