Things start way out in left field with a short waltz introduction, "By The Way (You Look Tonight)," which will have you wondering if you have come to the right place. This is soon displaced by the rocking guitar intro to "Johnny Passed Away" which provides a good indication of where the band are coming from. Although the sound is largely dominated by tasty guitar work (from the Dr: Dragoljub Crncevic, who also handles most of the vocals), there is also plenty of keyboards on offer too, courtesy of Darko Grujic. The band show that they are happy at slowing things down on the excellent "A Cross To Bear," with its soulful (and doleful) vocals. John O'Leary (ex Savoy Brown) contributes the very fine harp licks here, and elsewhere.

All of the songs are originals, and they make the most of the guitar and organ which are laid over the rock steady beat from the rhythm section of Jovan Pejcinovic (drums) and Zoran Milenkovic (bass). It all works really well too, Even though there is a rocky edge to much of the guitar playing, it never really feels like a blues/rock album. The album has plenty of high spots, with the driving instrumental, "Blue Ball," "Some Other Place"--if Jarvis Cocker from Pulp sang the blues, this is what it would sound like--and the almost funky "Lazy Mama" all worthy of extra special mention.

After the full version of "By The Way (You Look Tonight)," a waltz sounding like it is being played on an old wind-up gramophone, complete with Jim Reeves-like vocals, there are a couple of bonus tracks just to make the package complete. The first, "You Give Me A Reason" has an almost Doors-like keyboard sound to it, whilst "Up & Down" sounds like it would make a great encore on a live show.

"8 Blue Balls" is a very good album indeed. DR Project Point Blank Blues Band are a fine outfit, and yes, they can definitely play the blues. They also write top quality songs, many of which have great hooklines to them. "8 Blue Balls" is an album that is well worth tracking down, especially if you like your blues to have a raw, rocky edge to it. Even if you do not, check it out anyway, you may be pleasantly surprised.

http://www.pointblank.co.yu/
http://www.pgp-rts.co.yu/

Buy this CD NOW:

Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.

"This review is copyright © 2004 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."

Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!

---

Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.

Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details). Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!

---

Web Hosting & Design: CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75. The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!

If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:

Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983

E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.