Blupa Music: “Story of a Freak” – a muscular, punchy sonic exploration

Norwegian project Blupa Music created by Geir Erland Roev aka GER has just released its second EP, entitled “Story of a Freak”.  GER is the composer, producer, mix engineer and everything in between. He is joined on the EP by UK-based drummer, Will Jones and Eric on the Flugelhorn. The EP was mastered by Sola Mastering in the US. This newest release is an excellent and diverse recording that really shows GER’s talent. Though only 4 tracks, it is a musical melting pot bouncing among a range of moods.

“Story of a Freak” like most great recordings, impresses on first hearing and gets better with each subsequent listening. Geir Erland Roev’s song writing provides interesting multi-layered rockers, soulful folk, psychedelic laced pieces and beautiful melodies.

It’s like a blend of Phish, Dylan, Clapton, Pink Floyd, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits etc. for sake of reference. He is someone who deeply understands his musical influences, yet is able to fuse them into a sound which is ultimately self-expressive. And with each release GER grows and expands, as such, this record is the high water mark so far. It’s clear that he’s a driven performer and composer who exudes a passion for music.

This exciting, fresh, creative, arousing, new piece of mastery from Blupa Music and his friends is awesome. If you have been waiting for that 70’s or 80’s classic music with a nice modern alternative-rock twist to make it into this century, “Story of a Freak” is it! The opening title track throbs atop a great guitar riff with GER’s voice swaggering with sonic venom – “I trust nobody but myself. These days I’m hiding in a shelter underground. The voices in my head keep telling me I am a freak. I am a freak. I am a freak.”

“Night Train” is a guitar driven instrumental, while “Spellbound” wears a completely different set of sounds wrapped up in a folk and roots vibe with the storytelling melody being totally congenial to GER’s vocals. The Flugelhorn adds the finishing touches to a great song.

Next “Restless Wings” lays down a bluesy and psychedelic guitar soundscape with richly textured vocal harmonies, and a prominently deep bassline. There is absolutely no percussion here, and the track is so much the better for it. Quite frankly, this song alone makes it worthwhile owning the EP.

It is hands down the best piece of musical work Blupa Music has ever put down on record, according to me. “Spellbound” and “Restless Wings” are definitely the EP’s highlights.

Though this was recorded in Geir Erland Roev’s home studio, the audio quality exceeded my expectations. The drums, the bass, the guitars, and especially the vocals have brilliant separation between them, as well as rich, clear and crisp tones.  “Story of a Freak” is a muscular, punchy sonic exploration that has an attitude and edginess without any unnecessary angst.

Many times musicians over complicate music, Blupa Music has proven simple riffs and catches paired with good songwriting and the great understanding of his tools and craft will get the job done. Geir Erland Roev’s is incapable of writing one bad line, let alone a bad EP!

OFFICIAL LINKS: SOUNDCLOUD – CDBABY