The Thin Men is a London based band fronted by a man named Blair Jollands. Having grown up in New Zealand, Jollands left to busk around the USA where he ended up performing at CBGBs in New York. He later relocated to London and this is where he currently resides with his band The Thin Men. The Thin Men, a four piece band release their music through Blair Jollands own personal record label Glow B Recordings.
For those that like artists such as David Bowie and Rufus Wainright, the music of the band The Thin Men should definitely appeal. The music is a surreal display of rock music, it’s hard to describe but what I can say is that the voice of Blair Jollands is absolutely fantastic. His vocal tone comes across perfectly throughout this release, the man’s voice possesses such elegance and eloquence. The vocals float through the music and come across brilliantly over a beautiful backdrop of fine instrumental sound. It is without doubt the vocals that make this music so special and throughout the five tracks of this EP always they come across perfectly.
There’s a definite David Bowie air about the music, often in fact the sound comes across entirely like Bowie and vocally Jollands is at times extremely similar. There is some fine guitar work present on this release, the drum beats are impressive, and a keyboard is utilised to terrific effect throughout the five tracks of this EP. Blair Jollands does not here restrict himself purely to vocal duties, he proves himself to be multi talented as he smashes his way through some succulent guitar licks, fine piano playing and some superb harmonica work also. Jollands is very much at the forefront of this bands sound, the brains behind it all and a fine talent he is too.
The EP begins with ‘Nowhere’, progresses with ‘Dream of You’ and not once on this release does the music ever disappoint. The EP reaches a climax with the terrific track ‘Walkin’ Blues’ and it must be said that this is the perfect closing track. The music possesses a great beauteous quality and all four of this bands members impress massively here. On all five of these tracks the bands members prove themselves to be exceptional in fact and not once does the talent of The Thin Men fail to shine though.
I’d definitely recommend giving this EP a listen, Blair Jollands contribution is magnificent and never does the man disappoint. It is no wonder that a track of the bands was once chosen as song of the week by the late, great John Peel. The Thin Men is a highly talented band, the music is brilliant and all elements come together perfectly here in order to provide for an exquisite display of aural excellence. The music contains a great beauteous quality, the talent of Blair Jollands always shines through strongly and at every moment of this EPs progression all of the bands members prove themselves to be sensational. Four members contribute to the sound of The Thin Men, all of whom are greatly essential to the mix in providing for a highly entertaining musical creation.
Release Date: 28th April 2008
Rating:
UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.
