Blind Man's Hill is a crystal clear sonic statement of this Baltimore band's expansive vision. It reveals their fully realized powers in quick, cutting bursts of funked-up country rock, sometimes dipping farther into the well of a particular style, but never settling there.
The band's wide range of abilities is showcased in the first 10 minutes. "Honey Bee" is as funky as it wants to be, with popping snare hits, body-shaking rhythms laced with sax, and steamy vocals, while "Let Me Off This Train" more prominently features the mandolin and acoustic guitar with chugging country rhythms and impassioned vocals over a strolling bass line. Cris Jacobs emerges as a formidable vocal talent throughout, shining on songs with righteous lyrics like "Old White Lightning 95" and the foreboding "Devil On Me." "Devil In Me" is an engaging tune that delves into blues, jazz, world music, and rock simultaneously, rising from a sullen dirge to a triumphant climax. "Bury My Bones In Baltimore" sounds so timeless that it could have been written a century ago, and "Born' Ramblin" has a pleasant roughness that meshes lap steel, mandolin, and self-referential vocals to create a modern-day folk tune. The album almost drifts too far into folk/country territory before the driving "Diggin' in the Cold Ground" adds some needed electricity. "Heavy Water" also has a bluesy intensity, but it is also heavily spiked with bayou imagery and R&B energy. "Lasting Hymn" is an appropriate closer, a gentle palate-cleanser placed perfectly after the wild ride the listener just took.
The band's wide range of abilities is showcased in the first 10 minutes. "Honey Bee" is as funky as it wants to be, with popping snare hits, body-shaking rhythms laced with sax, and steamy vocals, while "Let Me Off This Train" more prominently features the mandolin and acoustic guitar with chugging country rhythms and impassioned vocals over a strolling bass line. Cris Jacobs emerges as a formidable vocal talent throughout, shining on songs with righteous lyrics like "Old White Lightning 95" and the foreboding "Devil On Me." "Devil In Me" is an engaging tune that delves into blues, jazz, world music, and rock simultaneously, rising from a sullen dirge to a triumphant climax. "Bury My Bones In Baltimore" sounds so timeless that it could have been written a century ago, and "Born' Ramblin" has a pleasant roughness that meshes lap steel, mandolin, and self-referential vocals to create a modern-day folk tune. The album almost drifts too far into folk/country territory before the driving "Diggin' in the Cold Ground" adds some needed electricity. "Heavy Water" also has a bluesy intensity, but it is also heavily spiked with bayou imagery and R&B energy. "Lasting Hymn" is an appropriate closer, a gentle palate-cleanser placed perfectly after the wild ride the listener just took.
While the band hasn't lost their trademark diversity, there's a lot more substance here than their previous albums - and they even dropped the beatboxing for this record. Blind Man's Hill is a significantly serious step for a band that is rapidly ascending the ranks of the music world.
--Bryan Rodgers
If you haven't heard this band before, you've just discovered some of the best music you'll ever hear. Get this album and then get to a show, you will NOT be disappointed!
Brian is right-these guys are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they can jam out like no other. Blind Man's Hill has opened my eyes to what music should sound like-this should be in everyone's cd player-you will not be disappointed-The Bridge = the next big thing
I freakin love these guys. anyone know where i can find lyrics?
I saw the Bridge first as an opener to a show and wished they could have played for the entire show. They have such a fresh and entertaining style, jam out when seen in person, and are really cool guys to talk to after the show. The closest got to me on their latest tour was 150 miles away but I still went. I look forward to relocating back to Virginia so I can pop up to Baltimore for shows more often. The Bridge quickly become one of my favorite bands and will definitely continue to pick up fans should they continue in their current direction. Some people don't like the beatboxing, but I think it gives their shows a special flair and integrates well into some of the slide guitar tunes.
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