Dusty Dave & The Heart Attacks One Beer Left (LP)

The debut album (2017) from the rockin' harp blues sensation from Calw on Rhythm Bomb.

Calw in the northern Black Forest is certainly not primarily known to rock ‘n’ roll fans as the birthplace of Hermann Hesse. The comparatively small town is home not only to Black Shack Recordings, a genuine vintage analog studio of international renown, but also to popular bands such as The Booze Bombs and Devils & Soehne.

The quintet led by singer and rhythm guitarist Dusty Dave makes no secret of the fact that its members are also active in The Hidden Charms and The Fenders 55 in addition to these two formations. According to their charming self-description, with a scent of Brisk hair cream, Cologne water and guest room soap, the quintet breaks down the wall with the 14 songs on “One Beer Left”: creaky juke joint band blues in a rough analog soundscape with omnipresent howling harp, lively enthusiasm and a sophistication both in cover versions of classics and in excellent original material. Predominantly energetic and uptempo, the band immediately makes a big mark on the German blues scene. Definitely “retro,” but with an astonishing amount of charm and verve.