Blair Jollands - 7 Blood

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Scoring a potential hit on this release!!!

Blair Jollands is a London based film composer and Singer / Songwriter instrumentalist originally from New Zealand, he has now made the capital city his home. He has already picked up a Emmy nomination for his film score writing,  and I think '7 Blood' could make him a household name. Blair has traveled all around the World, playing his music from Shanghai to Sydney - from Bali to Berlin, absorbing the air and energy from a kaleidoscope of travels, Previously signed to Boy George’s label, More Protein - under the artist name El Hula, Blair picked up 5* reviews with his albums ‘Hotel’ and ‘Violent Love’. I have to say I have not heard of him before, but from a first listen... I can tell he is really talented... and well worth a listen.

Title track and single '7 Blood', which is the first slice of the record of the same name... has a real 70's Disco flavour to it. Have you seen the video?, if not you can watch it at the bottom of this page... it's Disco-ball-tastic!!!. The song is so Retro, you would really think it was recorded back in the 70's. You can also see that he used his skills from score writing, to give the track a movie feel. You want to delve out your flares from the cupboard and hit the Dance floor John Travolta style, too cool for school.

The album follows on with his last single 'I'll remember You', is very different from '7 Blood'... that you can't believe it is the same artist. It hard to say where to place this track, because it has so many up's and down. Originally written for the soundtrack of 'The Mad Axeman', a film about Frank Mitchell who was connected to the English Gangsters The Kray twins. The track was produced by Jon Kelly (Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson), who as you see has worked with the best in the music business. 'I'll remember You' also features the sultry vocals of Iraina Mancini, who brings different layers and definitions to the song.

If you where loving the Bee Gees / Donna Summer vibe of the first track, I am not sure if you will love or hate 'I'll remember You'... which is more 40's and 50's style Crosby vs Sinatra. I have to say I like the third track 'Not Enough' far more, it is more interesting. I like the storytelling vibe and the way he has used the different instruments on it, to bring out a really cool but laid back feel. New single 'Burning Man' the second track on the record to feature Iraina Mancini, is haunting and slow... before it builds up in tempo to an advert sounding chorus. I have to say this is not one of my favourite songs on the record, but it does have something special... and think will grow on me. I have to say again, it does belong in an advert... so think I will be hearing it on a commercial for aftershave soon.

'Black Diamond' a song a like a lot more... reminds me of acts I like, like The Divine Comedy and Arcade Fire... with hints of Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters) new self titled solo album. 'Mojacar Moon' leads in with a Bossa Nova / Mariachi style to it, and would be perfect for a Tarantino style soundtrack. The laid back feel and tempo, is upped a little for 'Revelations'... which is a simple song that reminds me of Rufus Wainwright.

By the time I reach the last three songs on the record 'I will carry You, Drifting Song' and 'Restless Soul'... I realise this album is not for me. But it would work very well on a film soundtrack, and loads of my friends would love it. It is not my personal taste, but I appreciate it has a strong quality to it. This record would set many scenes, and I can see him playing on Jools Holland's 'Hootenanny'. Blair Jollands is going to be huge, and I am going to hear him for years to come.

Review by Dan Devour

Check Out! the Video for '7 Blood' Below...