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Mason rockers Bluf host an all-ages CD release party Saturday at The Poison Room in honor of their new album, Documents of Evolution. The four-piece (consisting of frontman/Johnny Cougar nephew Ian Mellencamp and brothers Ben, Elliott and Evan Rubin) takes a slanted Hard Rock approach akin to acts like Chevelle (with whom Bluf has played). In other words, it’s Clear Channel-ready Rock but with a bit more going on between the slash-and-burn than your everyday Papa Roaches.
The less expected, progressive side is something the band should delve into more deeply. While certainly centered around big melodies, most are generally paint-by-numbers. When the band tames its gigantic guitar assault (presented distractingly overdriven, despite production by super-producer Erwin Musper), you can hear what Bluf is really capable of.
The Electro-tinged track “Mechanic” is sparse and less messy, the guitar parts more sinewy and engaging and Mellencamp’s vocals more distinct and crisp. The piano instrumental “Carny Bordello” shows more musicality than almost any other track, while the proggy, dynamically-arranged “Message From an Alien” is the closest the band gets to merging its Hard Rock side with its more adventurous edge.
But the album is frontloaded with songs like “To You” and “Return,” which get swallowed up by the huge, overbearing guitar sound. A better mix, the trimming of about four or five tracks and more confidence to explore the outer-reaches of Bluf’s sound would make this a more fully realized and captivating representation.
As it stands, it’s but a mere hint at the talent, progressiveness and creativity beneath. (More at blufmusic.com.)
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This article appears in Jan 9-15, 2008.