100 Watt Vipers, Holy Water Review
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Coming from the hot steamy air of Jacksonville Florida is a blues duet calling themselves, 100 Watt Vipers. The duet is Paul Joseph playing guitars, songwriting and producing with DJ Riddick playing drums and singing. Their music is a raw celebration of the honest working class, set to a heavy blues beat and dirty guitars. Formed in 2013 by longtime friends Joseph and Riddick, the hard-working blues rock duet has been steadily releasing music since then and are now releasing a new full-length album titled, Holy Water. With thirteen original tracks any blues-rock fan will admire. Plus, the digital album has two bonus tracks of acoustic versions of, “After the Storm Comes The Peace” and “The Bell Tolls Heavy.”
Positives:
Solid songwriting and interesting lyrics. Joseph does a fine job on guitar, with a wide range of sounds and colors. Riddick’s vocals match the music, with a raw authoritative sound.
Bottom Line:
100 Watt Vipers have a style that celebrates the essence of the blues tradition, but with a heavy electrified blues overtone. With dirty guitars and solid back-beats, Riddick sings of subjects that the everyday person can relate to and enjoy. There is a get it done with what you’ve got attitude and sound to “Holy Water.” This is not polished blues, and it’s not meant to be, its blues-rock from the heart never less. The thirteen tracks have a surprisingly wide palette considering it is a duet, which yields a solid listen. The two acoustic versions are very nice, especially “The Bell Tolls Heavy.” Both the album version and the acoustic version of this song is worth the price of admission alone, with a catchy melody, hip guitar riffs and a slide with a big back beat. These two are makin’ some good vibes, with a combination of blues and rock from the 60’s and 70’s. Their sound might have a vintage sound, but its purely powerful! Get you some! That's the short it!