Trampled Under Foot Badlands

I had been aware of Trampled Under Foot, a trio of siblings, but had not heard their music until the new Telarc CD, Badlands. Comprised on Denise Schnebelen on bass and vocals) and brothers Nick (guitar and vocals) and Kris (drums and vocals), the present release is produced by Tony Braunagel of The Phanton Blues Band (who also adds percussion), recorded by Johnny Lee Schell and Mike Finnigan of The Phantom Blues Band plays keyboards. 

I won't say that the songs on Badlands are stunningly original (though there is nothing poor about them (or that this sibling trio are innovators). However, listening to Danielle on the opening Bad Bad Feeling, I became impressed by not simply the strength and authority of her singing but the strong support her brothers and Finnigan provide as she sings about her lover's infidelity. Her brothers are pretty able singers as well, if not quite as striking as Danielle who credibly covers James Brown's It's a Man's Man's Man's World, along with other originals. The songs are solid, intelligent and well constructed, and the performances are focused and robust.

The name Trampled Under Foot may be inspired by Led Zeppelin, but the music on Badlands is a strong dose of blues with some soul seasoning with no heavy metal trappings. I definitely will check out their prior recordings and look forward to hearing more by them.

This was a purchase.  Here is the official video for Bad Bad Feeling.