The Blackwater Fever – The Depths (2013)

Brooding Brisbane bluesmen The Blackwater Fever took a different approach with their third album. The Depths, unlike the two that came before, was recorded entirely by themselves. Adding to the new experience for the rock‘n’rollers is an additional member, turning this duo into a trio. The result is a more self-aware and evolved sound.
The introduction of organ into the mix is something that really sits well with their brand of dark, dirty blues. The ominous organ that sounds through the opening track When The Night Comes further intensifies the chilling atmosphere that is created through the drawn-out pace and twangy guitar. Shane Hicks’ rough, reverberated vocals find themselves just barely penetrating the surface of the rugged instrumentation. That definitely doesn’t mean his power is lost – this only strengthens the wonderfully unsettling nature of the track, making it a great introduction of what’s to come.