Review: Blyth ‘Confessions Of A Justified Sinner’

Ian White (Blyth) to fans of influential band Gallon Drunk need’s little introduction. Drummer since 1993 with the band and still a permanent member, here on his debut solo album gets the opportunity to let us hear what goes on inside his head as a solo entity, providing a purely instrumental onslaught of sounds and rhythms. However, he does get by here with contributions from his Gallon Drunk pals; James Johnston on guitar and piano plus Jeremy Cottingham on lead and wah guitar.

An album dominated by a drummer’s desire to create a music that balances strong beats/grooves with experimental and dark instrumentation which he has achieved admirably. Ian White’s skill as a drummer is of course on show and is impressive to say the least, but there is a lot more going on here. Other adjectives I could throw at this body of work is it’s highly danceable, in fact it’s a choreographer’s dream, as well as capable of sound tracking many of today’s European films. The album was written and arranged by White, but recorded with Giles Barrett during late 2019 and January 2020 at Soup Studios in London.

First track, Tongue Tied kicks us off with epic proportions coming in at over nine minutes long, a hypnotic, minor chord, sinister vibe all wrapped in one. Title track, Confessions Of A Justified Sinner continues the theme of heavy-duty percussion and drums standing proud out front in the mix, leading the tune with no excuses necessary. Pegswood takes things down a lot with less emphasis on beats and more of an atmospheric and interesting vibe. Manors continues the theme.

brimming with force and a desire to release an aural assault with a certain style and swagger…

This album has obviously been a labour of love for White that’s well executed, proving his talent beyond what his Gallon Drunk fans may be aware of. An honest attempt at making an album that offers something out of the ordinary, brimming with force and a desire to release an aural assault with a certain style and swagger. Six Days grabs my attention last of all for simply being an interesting combination of cello and drums to finish off an album worthy of your attention.

If you’re drawn to alternative sounds, and interesting ideas, created by a bunch of guys in their spare time who sound like they mean it and gave all they had, this deserves your time…

Label: Independent
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Scribed by: Tim Keppie