Further by The Luke Mulholland Band: A Blues Rock Punch to the Gut
Alright, let’s cut the crap. Further ain’t your polished, overproduced rock album—it’s raw, gritty, and unapologetically real. Released in 2008 under their own label (because who needs some big-shot exec breathing down their neck?), this US-based band brings the heat with a blues rock vibe that feels like a whiskey-soaked night in a smoky bar. And yeah, it's got its rough edges—but damn if those don’t make it better.
First up, “My Angel.” This track slaps you in the face right outta the gate. It’s got this grinding guitar riff that digs into your skull and doesn’t let go. You can practically hear the sweat dripping off the strings as Mulholland belts out lyrics soaked in desperation and longing. What sticks? The way his voice cracks on the chorus—like he’s lived every word he’s singing. Feels authentic, man. No fake emotions here. Just pure, unfiltered pain wrapped up in a killer melody.
Then there’s “Drowning,” which hits different. If “My Angel” is a punch, this one’s more like being dragged underwater. The slow burn of the intro builds into this crushing wave of distortion and vocals that feel like they’re clawing at something just out of reach. Lyrically? Dark as hell. But instead of bumming you out, it pulls you deeper into the chaos. By the time the solo kicks in, you’re not drowning anymore—you’re thrashing around, loving every second of it.
Sure, the rest of the tracks hold their own—“Cold Night” has this haunting vibe, and “Go” rips with an energy that makes you wanna trash your living room—but these two? They’re the ones I can’t shake off. Maybe it’s because they don’t try too hard to impress. They just hit where it hurts—and leave a mark.
Here’s the kicker though: for all its grit and fire, Better feels kinda forgotten now. Like, how does an album this good slip through the cracks? Self-releasing might’ve been bold back then, but maybe it also meant fewer ears got to hear it. Either way, it’s a shame. Because while bigger names were churning out soulless arena rock, The Luke Mulholland Band was busy reminding us what real music sounds like.
So, next time you’re scrolling Spotify, give Further a spin. Just don’t blame me when it messes with your head.
