As far as I’m aware SIMO, the band, no longer exists and it’s now just JD SIMO going out as a solo act. This is the band’s second full album release from 2016, and it is one hot deep blues/funk groove monster.
Opening with a cover of Elmore James’ Strangers Blues is an inspired choice as it adds some serious swing to an old blues standard. Two Twin Woman sees SIMO really letting the slide drive the tune over a somewhat dirty funk blues. Cant Say Her Name is some real deep down south heavy blues with killer guitar from JD. I Lied has a killer riff and this track really grooves. Please is pure old school R’n’B, done southern style. Great song! Side 1 closes out with Long May You Sail and is a heavy psych blues, which the second album heavily draws on.
Side 2 starts up in Allman’s style with some solo slide at the intro to I’ll Always Be Around, after all this album was recorded at Allman’s HQ: The Big House in Macon Georgia. Becky’s Last Occupation is my favourite track on the album as it mixes Zeppelin style heavy riffs with that deep southern groove. I’d Rather Die In Vain is the heaviest track on the album with vocal and guitar mimicking each other. JD just rips it up on this piece. The album closes out with Today I’m Here, and we slow things right down with a nice acoustic country blues instrumental. If you like your blues southern fried and heavy this is for you.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
