Review: 07.14.2005

THE NIGHT IS YOUNG
Surprised by By Blood Alone, and that's a good thing

By Aimsel L. Ponti

By Blood Alone may sound like the title of a classic horror film, but actually it's the name of the local band that is about to release its debut record.

They sent me a four-track sampler, and I am once again an old dog who's been taught a new trick. I've opened my ears and mind to a style of music that I naively assumed wouldn't be my cup of tea. Actually, the stuff's great.

The singer, Mistress Cruella's got a downright spooky, hypnotic voice that lends itself so well to a sound that embraces Goth, hard rock and alternative. John Graveside's guitar playing is a roaring howl and it's surrounded by equally convincing bass, drums and keyboards.

"What happens when the water stops flowing? Do your wounds stop their bleeding?" asks Mistress Cruella in the song "Deny Yourself." Don't worry, you needn't bring garlic or holy water, By Blood Alone doesn't bite. Oh, wait, at least I don't think they do.

By the way, the show is happening at the new location of Geno's, which now resides in the Skinny's old space on Congress Street. I stopped in there last month and it looks fantastic.

Catch By Blood Alone this Thursday night on WCYY for Mark Curdo's local music show that airs from 7 to 10 p.m. I get the sense that By Blood Alone takes their music, but not themselves, very seriously which is always a winning combination.

By Blood Alone w/Big Coffin Hunters, CD release show,10 p.m. Saturday, Geno's, 625 Congress St., 21+, $5