The Bombay Blue Notes: “Face The Pain” – intoxicating vocals and teeth gritting orchestration

“Face The Pain” by The Bombay Blue Notes, an alternative rock band from the Netherlands, is an album full of different styles of rock songs, provoking a wide range of emotions. Most of the songs are just outright exciting, full of fast, loud guitars with an amazing variety of sounds, and with vocals that perfectly fit the music.

There is more than just rock noise in these songs though, with some showing delicate and intricate arrangement structures, such as “The Magic in Your Smile” and the haunting beauty of “Sunrise to Sunset”. Both of these songs will transport you to a retro world full of wonder and mysticism that belonged to the psychedelic rock of the mid-60s.

There are tracks that grab you, and make you want to join in despite yourself, “What’s in My Dreams” and “Wanderlust” being fine examples, and more traditional rock efforts such as “Santosh” with its acid-rock inspired, heavy laden rock riffs. Whatever rocking mood you’re in, this album has something to fit it.

“Bombay Blues” throws a spanner in the works with a quirky and funky rhythm-guitar driven up-tempo tune, that may even get you up onto the dance floor, while it is contrasted by the title track, “Face The Pain” –dark and ominous in its intentions, with a chorus that fleetingly caresses the throws of death metal!

This is one of those albums you listen to over and over and it completely alters your definition of what constitutes good music. It’s catchy and melodic enough that you want to hum or sing along with it but it’s never cheesy or sappy. There is also some really heavy, thumping, ass-kicking riffs and plenty of angst. Often it’s all of the above in the same song!

With tightly arranged rockers and efficient use of rhythm and melody, The Bombay Blue Notes are not your usual alternative rock band; they manage to slip into mainstream appreciation by way of the melodic pop-styled vocals that run across their crushing rhythm work and loud guitar explorations.

Injected with neat little eccentric subversive instrument and vocal stylings, with all the right twists and turns, “Face The Pain” is an album which is the perfect mix between the ambience of driven alternative rock and catchy pop sensibilities.

Blending intoxicating vocal arrangements and teeth gritting orchestration, it’s hard to put into words the sheer coolness of this crunchy crossover vibe. Just listen to it!

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