Soldiers of Christ E.P.

When Blood Meridian released their solid debut, We Almost Made it Home, it only hinted at what they were capable of. After taking last summer to hit the Canadian festival circuit, they honed their chops and songwriting skills and now their new five-song EP is full of confident swagger. The album slips easily into the title track, which sounds like The White Stripes if they mellowed out and concentrated more on writing songs and less on colour co-ordinated outfits. That song’s easy groove gives way to 'Shit World,' which sounds like a Sadies B-side with stronger vocals.

This pattern continues throughout the album, with Blood Meridian constantly one-upping their influences. From the piano-blues of 'Hey Waitress,' to the wicked raw guitar solo on 'My Last Stand,' to the power dirge of 'I Hate the Blues,' there isn’t a dud in the bunch. If only all touring bands got this tight in the studio. ~Jason Lewis, FFWD.com