Sure Fire Groove - Sure Fire Groove EP

  by Lisa Torem

published: 17 / 9 / 2013

Label: Sure Fire Groove
Format: CDS

intro

Infectious blues/Americana on second EP from locally popular Chicago-based act, Sure Fire Groove

The song 'Call the Captain' has been enjoying airplay in Sure Fire Groove’s hometown of Chicago for good reason. The quartet conveys warmth and conviction through bright harmonies and relatable themes. They’ve been together for a decade and their confidence as an ensemble reflects that commitment. They produced their first full-length album, 'Wooden Horse', in 2008. On their newly released, second EP, consisting of three tracks and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, they meld southern-style swampy blues with rootsy strings. Their sharp sound, which features mandolin, banjo and bouzouki, brings to mind the Steel Wheels and the Allman Brothers and their decision to utilize vintage recording techniques was spot on, as well, as this choice definitively brings out the heart and backbeat of their messages. An urgent plea for redemption is clearly revealed in 'Got to Get to Heaven' – this searing spiritual is earmarked by a sweeping choral outro. The dynamic text is concise and piercing: “The road escapes me now/I have lived a sinner’s life…” 'Sit' has a refreshing old timey instrumental vibe which juxtaposes more strong text: When we hear “Rise up people/We are not alone/Rise up people, back home,” we’re, not so subtly, drawn out of our passive existence; ready to deconstruct life’s challenges. “I can feel it in a fortnight/Revolutions in the air' and “check the rings upon your fingers/Make sure all of them are there” are atmospheric lyrics, which stimulate an aire of mystery in the aforementioned 'Call the Captain'. Sure Fire Groove exhibits a special energy here courtesy of strident finger picking and their signature, passionate harmonies. Performing 300 shows annually, Sure Fire Groove already commands a steadfast following, one, which will certainly spread like wildfire given their sturdy track record of solid musicianship and fluency in all things Americana.

Track Listing:-

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