AJ Plug - Chew Chew Chew (2016)

When the Ryan McGarvey Band performed at Groene Engel, Oss in 2015, a band called AJ And The Wildgrooves supported the act. The band was totally unknown to me, but that was over quickly because there was wonderfully rocking blues rock. Above all, singer AJ Plug made a great impression with her fabulous voice, charisma and stage presence. The vocals were rough, unpolished, a mixture of Janis Joplin and Beth Hart. Their debut album "Let Go Or Be Dragged" got very good reviews for a reason.

Now there is the successor "Chew, Chew, Chew": Great! Of the AJ And The Wildgrooves only guitarist Klaas Kuijt is in the band and of course AJ. The band name has been shortened to AJ Plug. The CD was recorded in the West Bank studios in Noordwijkerhout and the sound is terrific, warm and full. All songs are original compositions; Music and lyrics. This is also remarkable.

The CD starts with "I See The Light" and a Southern slide riff. With her clear voice, AJ Plug sings very emotionally and soulfully. A very nice start! Then comes the ballad "Big Sweet Love" with wonderful, restrained guitar playing by lead guitarist Frans van Steijn. The song is totally in balance and you believe every word AJ sings. "Going Under" is the first really rocking blues song, played rhythmically and tightly with great work by bassist Tenny Tahamata (ex-Julian Sas) and drummer Machiel Verhaar. "Walk Upon Water" has a solid riff that you can't get out of your head, and guitarist Frans conjures up fantastic, almost psychedelic timbres from his cleat in the background. Then I hear something familiar with the intro of "Free At Last". It reminds me of a song: of course it's the intro of "Company Graveyard" by the Buddaheads. Coincidence or not: Great music, nice rhythm and Kim Snelten's blues harp make the song perfect. Actually a wonderful Buddaheads song without the vocals of AJ Plug of course!

"Shine" starts with an irresistible groove where it is impossible not to move. The groove keeps coming back, supported by brilliant guitar playing. The compliments go to Machiel, Kenny and Klaas for the firm foundation. The next song, "Down On My Knees", almost contains a duel between vocals and guitar, but you miss some variety. Not a bad song, but for me personally less good than the rest.

But then the highlight follows: the amazing slow blues "Trouble". This slow blues alone is worth buying the CD! Everything is right here. Pure goosebumps! "It Ain't Over" has a ZZ top rhythm, so nice and rocky with fine riffs. Psychedelic soundscapes characterize "Waiting For Love", which gives the CD a new dimension. Arranged in the middle with only soft drums, bass and vocals before the dark, menacing guitar work returns. A very well structured song. The penultimate song again has the wonderful, relaxed groove with acoustic guitar playing: "Baby I'm Alright". The bonus track "Drown In My Sorrow" starts with Kim's blues harp together with Klaas on acoustic guitar and AJ's vocals. This is pure Mississippi Delta blues. A great end to an excellent record!