Review: One Hand Free

One Hand Free - Sweetbreads (Thundertrauzer Enterprises)
A five-piece from New Hampshire, One Hand Free play a hip Southern style of rock ‘n’ roll which emphasizes singer Andrew Blowen’s gutsy bluesy voice, and the band’s way with a groove. Those brought up on Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allmans and Black Crowes will know exactly the sort of thing One Hand Free are aspiring to, and a couple of spins of “Sweetbreads” confirms best expectations.

Though only a five track EP, “Sweetbreads” comes in at a healthy 31 minutes, as the band stretch out and properly explore their songs. Opener “Sly” rolls out its goodness over five minutes and could be the beefy cousin of one of Terry Reid’s masterpieces from the “River” album. It’s followed by “Dead Reckoning” which is gentler but no less charismatic – what a great start, and it gets better. “Like A Stone” is built around a chubby riff, hewn from classic ‘70s rock, before the record’s centerpiece hits home. “Mangrove” is the longest cut here, recorded live, it’s a slow burn blues-rocker with Josh DiJoseph’s guitar sparring with Blowen’s vocal and keys to notable effect. The fifth and final track “Slipstream” might just be the pick of the bunch. Again, it was recorded live and the band is on fire. Mostly instrumental, the interplay between the lead instruments and the structured intensity of the three-piece rhythm section is just wonderful. I’d love to see them do it on a big stage.
www.onehandfree.com
Rob F.