Black Heart Blue Star Music The Bruises are intensely hypnotic punk pop and hard rock. Listening to this album, I found myself wanting to see them live, which surprised the heck out of me because I usually prefer recorded music in order to hear the nuances of the song better. However, Connected, made me want to see if the energy would be stronger in person. I wanted to be engulfed in it!
Formed in 2001 by Aja Blue and Jen Black (yes, those are their real names) from Peoria, IL, The Bruises started out as a “not-so-typical acoustic duo,” touring across the US in support of their 2002 LP Last Summer. In 2004, they went electric and their music developed a harder-edged sound. So, they moved to California and took over the West Coast. The tracks on their EP Ladies and Gentlemen were featured on MTV’s “Parental Control” and the HERE Network’s “Dante’s Cove.” The Bruises write their own songs, with Aja and Jenare on vocals and lead guitars, Wendy Brents on bass, and Billy Mowery on drums.
“We just make music we like, without trying to be a part of any fad or musical trend,” says guitarist/singer Jen Black. “I’d like to think that someone 10 or 20 years from now could enjoy our songs the same way they do at this moment.”
Although I find the term "pop" a bit insulting for such a vibrant, strong group, I think it is descriptive of some of the more lighthearted lyrics on songs like "Hott damm!" and "Dancing is Dangerous." My favorite song is Track 8, "Found (Interlude)." There is a growing thunder in this particular composition, and it drew me in. I don’t know what electronic wizardry was involved, but for a moment, I forgot everything. I would follow The Bruises anywhere. I’m not kidding.
Review by Patricia Ethelwyn Lang
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