- Label: 'Need To Know Music'
- Genre: 'Blues'
- Release Date: '24th April 2026'- Catalogue No: 'NTK-RRC-001'
Our Rating:
Demokracy Blues is billed as “an unfiltered study of modern America which is the kind of statement that one thinks ought to come with a health warning.
The conclusion that there is always hope is a surprising yet refreshing one. Perhaps the Reverend, aka Nathan Bell, is delusional but this message is surely better than delving into the slough of despond or to say nothing.
The Reverend’s career now spans almost half a century so by now I guess he should know something by now and the fact that he is still raging is itself heartening. We could all do a generous dose of whatever it is that drives the son of the late American Poet, Marvin Bell.
These pumping electric blues tunes are akin messages from the frontline and, let’s face it, the U.S of A is very much in a permanent state of war either with itself or with other nations. Protect yourself but don’t give up is the recurring advice.
Bell and his the rhythm section of bassist Frank Swart and percussionist Alvino Bennett recorded these missives at the Skunkworks Studio in Capitola, California.
A marathon session generated 28 anti-fascist, pro-justice songs and thirteen of these made the final cut. A younger guitarist Sean “Mack” McDonald joined the trio for a few tunes.
The form of each song doesn’t vary too much and in this sense the catalogue of oppression, corruption and injustice is damning but exhausting.
On Heavy Like That Lee reminds us that . This thought accounts for the weariness at the root of Downhearted and Blue. Despite this, the spirit of righteous rebellion is very much alive and kicking.
