‘Whiskey Blues’ Marks a Dynamic Debut for Shyfrin Alliance
Eduard Shyfrin is a very interesting chap. And, I mean, very interesting. The story is outlined brilliantly on the website (link below), but in short, Eduard originally trained in piano in Ukraine, pursued a career in metallurgy and business before a personal crisis prompted him to re-evaluate his path. Turning to Kabbalah and science, he authored the Amazon bestseller ‘From Infinity to Man: The Fundamental Ideas of Kabbalah Within the Framework of Information Theory and Quantum Physics.’ After some years, he returned to music, leading to the formation of the London-based Shyfrin Alliance and the upcoming release of their debut album, a mix of rock, blues, and romantic ballads entirely composed by Eduard himself. In this review, we’ll explore the track ‘Whiskey Blues,’ the Alliance’s debut single.
Awesome-sounding guitars and organ kick the track off before the drums and vocals enter. The vocals have a bassy Nick Cave/Johnny Cash (à la ‘Man Comes Around’)-esque vibe but with a more driving rock and roll approach behind it.
The song itself is based on an extended 12-bar style pattern with some fancy additions at the turnaround. This means that the track is vocally catchy all the way through due to the repetitive stylings. For example, “In the morning” at the beginning of each vocal section is just as catchy as… “Whiskey Blues is playing in my soul,” at the end of each vocal section. Basically, there isn’t so much a chorus as a hookline at the end of each repeating melodic pattern… but, as I say, the first line of each section could just as easily be deemed a hookline too… And, why the hell not! It worked for loads of great songs, such as ‘Birthday’ by The Beatles, ‘Call Me The Breeze’ by J.J. Cale, ‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry, etc… and this is no exception.
The problem sometimes with these 12-bar-styled tracks is that I’ve heard them turn into a loose jam that meanders and kind of loses its way, but ‘Whiskey Blues’ is far from that. The format is simple and solid, meaning that any meanderings are kept firmly in check – Verse/Solo/Verse/Solo/Verse/Outro… BANG! Job done!
The vocals are brilliant throughout, and there are some nice little nuances in the phrasing that make it quirky and punchy. With the addition of some solid guitar and strong backing vocals, the track creates space for excellently performed guitar and organ solos—sometimes both at the same time! And then, as we hit the final outro section, the backing vocals come into their own and add some super smooth gospel/soul riffing.
Thematically, ‘Whiskey Blues’ is about seizing the moment and the need to overcome life’s difficulties.
“We have different days, sometimes difficult, sometimes gloomy. But we should go on! We should continue and overcome and move on. That’s the underlying motive of this song. It’s important,” says Eduard.
The production is great, and I have to say, this song is a fun jaunt into rock and roll and a lesson in how to get your groove on. I’m really looking forward to hearing more if this track is anything to go by. Solid!
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