In the past few years, there have been a lot of bands coming out of the woodwork who use the classic sounds of ’70s loud rock as their musical template. Some bands do this better than others. The best ones are able to make these influences their own, giving them a slight update for the modern era. The good ones also write memorable songs.

Blues Pills, which is a female-fronted, multinational band, are definitely one of the better bands working the retro-rock sound. They have memorable songs, and they definitely capture the right vibe with their music. In addition, they have two stellar players in vocalist Elin Larsson and guitarist Dorian Sorriaux.

Larsson is a belter in the mold of Janis Joplin. She can sing to the heavens, but she also can tone it down a bit, providing subtle nuances to her vocal lines. She does whatever the song demands and does it quite well. Sorriaux is an 18-year-old guitar prodigy who can shoot out ripping solos and memorable riffs. Like his vocalist band mate, he knows when to be subtle and when not to be subtle, which is a lesson that sometimes takes musicians a lot longer to learn.

One more thing going for them: they have youthful energy to spare.

Opener “High Class Woman” is a powerful statement of intent, where they build tension during the verses, releasing it in the catchy chorus. “Ain’t No Change” starts mellow but then builds to an energetic boogie and a cutting solo from Sorriaux. “Devil Man” features Larsson vocally purging an evil man from her life, while the guitars go off around her. “Jupiter” is energetic and funky, features some nice wah peddle work.

They can also do sad songs quite well. “Black Smoke” is a slow-burning psychedelic blues jam. “River” and “No Hope Left For Me” are mournful late night confessions bolstered by some sharply downbeat singing from Larsson and sadly expressive solos from Sorriaux. “Little Sun” is a sad and beautiful ending to the album.

This album marks the arrival of a major new talent on the retro-rock scene. Their ability to mix feeling, ability and memorable songs makes them quite an exciting proposition. This album is really good, but I keep thinking, they are still young and probably have some great things coming down the road if they keep it together. If you are a fan of heavy, old-school, psychedelic jams – or if you just like well-played, classic-sounding rock music – you will love this album.

(Nuclear Blast, no address provided)