Album Review: The Blackwater Fever - The Depths

Brooding Brisbane bluesmen The Blackwater Fever took a different approach with their third album. The Depths, unlike the two that came before, was recorded entirely by themselves. Adding to the new experience for the rock'n'rollers is an additional member, turning this duo into a trio. The result is a more self-aware and evolved sound.

The introduction of organ into the mix is something that really sits well with their brand of dark, dirty blues. The ominous organ that sounds through the opening track When The Night Comes further intensifies the chilling atmosphere that is created through the drawn-out pace and twangy guitar. Shane Hicks' rough, reverberated vocals find themselves just barely penetrating the surface of the rugged instrumentation. That definitely doesn't mean his power is lost – this only strengthens the wonderfully unsettling nature of the track, making it a great introduction of what's to come.

Don't Fuck With Joe stands out as one of the shadier songs on the album and it's that depiction of edgy gloom that fits them like a glove. It's a slight testament to Nick Cave's portrayal of Stagger Lee in lyrical content and vocal delivery. The sassy vocal performance unites with the blend of gritty walking guitar line and organ to create the sinister atmosphere that they do well.

Fourteen tracks is a lot of content for something with such little variety, but they've figured out what makes them tick and it works for them. What drives the band is their raw execution, which they consistently carry out through the course of the album.