Devil's Poison (EP)
Artist: HarvestBloom

The second EP from female-fronted rockers HarvestBloom, Devil's Poison, sees the five-piece band building on the success of its self-titled debut with six punchy, hard-hitting slabs of alternative rock. Centered around '"the struggle within and the choices we make," according to the band's bio, the EP is expertly produced by Tony Cornelli, who particularly does a marvelous job of adding bite to the guitar tones of Greg and Patrick. The lead single, "Natural Compulsion," for which the band has completed its first music video, is a searing anthem, perfect for rock and alternative radio formats.

"Angels Crying" continues the full-on sound, with Anji's vocals sometimes a little bit lost under the wall of sound. On this track, the wordy nature of the lyrics (a feature throughout the EP) means that the vocal melodies, key aspects for any song, are slightly more complex than would be ideal. HarvestBloom seems like a band with a lot to say and plenty of passion to go with it (a very good thing indeed!). If they can marry that passion with a more focused melodic approach to songwriting, then they could be on to something very special.

"My Sweet Jesus" comes next, answering all of my minor quibbles, with a shuddering riff, a shout-along chorus, and brilliant use of loops and synths to add depth and texture to the sound. By far the best song on the EP, and with a clear, worshipful bent, this is great stuff indeed.

"Unmistakeable Grace" follows the opening title track in building to a funk-filled groove with plenty of guitar goodness, all over the bedrock of another rock solid rhythm foundation and a very sweet chord progression. Closer, "Blood" ("The Creed"), something of a statement of faith, and featuring guest vocals from Nikki Lerner, is another bluesy track, and a nicely epic way to finish this EP.

What should be clear from this review is that HarvestBloom has talent--loads of it. They also know how to rock. Hard. They do, however, seem to be a band with something of a lack of identity, half a funky blues band, and half a straight up hard rock act. If they can define themselves more clearly for their next release, the potential for their passion for Jesus and His Gospel to overflow in to the ears and hearts of many people is huge. A band to check out, pray for, and watch closely in the future.

Haydon Spenceley