The Blues Explosion review '28/11/11'

Monday night we at The Mesmerist got treated to a very special night as Stroll on Mondays featured a band that does exactly what it says on the tin. The Blues Explosion are in plain terms a Blues band. But in such a bold explanation lies the beauty of this Brighton based 5 piece. With most modern blues bands you can sometimes get the feeling you are witnessing a group of people wishing to have played music in an era where the blues was most fruitful in its popularity, an era that has spawned so many great blues musicians we sadly only have a few left. However, The Blues explosion harness traditional blues roots whilst managing to add an explosively rocky, foot stomping, eye engaging show that offers a setlist of originals, finely blended with some die hard blues fan covers from Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Checking on my baby' through to the more better known "Little red rooster" by Howlin Wolf. As an audience what we seek from a band is relativity, we want the music, and more often than not the lyrics to communicate something that is relevant to us, to our lives. What better tool then to tell modern day tales that speak volumes about the trials and tribulations of the lives we lead, with a backing section that bolsters guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, harmonica and the gravelly voice of lead singer Edwin Few.

The biggest compliment perhaps this band deserve, is that their original songs have the craft and complexity to fit in with covers on offer. That is largely down to the fact that the covers are performed with originality and expression, lead guitarist Jack Tracy and keyboardist Andy Bligh dual tantalising melodies that constantly keep your eyes and ears on full alert, whilst the vocal work is not that of a man who has spent time imitating others, but that of someone with love of the Blues, love of the songs, and the hand clapping energy to coax the most lethargic of viewer off their seat.

Andy Bligh on Keyboard with drummer Matt Steel

                                                                         Teaser Clip The Blues Explosion

The Blues explosion's appearance and popularity is testament to the momentum being gathered over the interest in the music provided by Stroll on Mondays & The Mesmerist, a night of Rock, Mod and Blues this band ensured that everyones vintage needs were lubricated and set the bench mark very high for all bands set to appear here live. The evening lasted well into the early hours of the night and the dance floor was full of movers and shakers. If this sounds like the night for you, what you waiting for? If you think your band has what it takes, then pop down on Monday nights and drop off a demo. Amen.

The blues explosion are on myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/thebluesexplosionband

"Stroll on Mondays"

"Stroll on" is the title of The Yardbirds song used in Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film Blow-Up. A film that captures Fashion, Culture, Lifestyle, Music, Sex and Hedonism. A platform and inspirational stand point for Stroll on Mondays. This night celebrates music of the 1960's and 70's. Stepping into a time where being part of something meant everything. Where music melted with fashion, lifestyle, politics and sex.This is the night to listen to Rock, Mod + Blues until you burn the soles of your shoes out. Projecting a potent mix of well known cinematic classics, cult films and underground movies over the dance floor and onto the Mesmerist medicine cabinet. Come down and show us your moves from 8.30pm with free entry and drinks promos all night.

The Alchemist

Those of you fortunate enough to enjoy whats on offer at The Mesmerist will know that no stone is left unturned. With a huge bar serving classic cocktails and locally sourced real ales, and a chop house restaurant only a few paces up the spiral staircase you could be forgiven in believing we had avenues to stimulate all of your taste-buds. That indeed we have done, in typical fashion by allowing The Mesmerists younger brother to collect his briefcase of potions and studious knowledge of coffee.

Please allow us to present to you.......

                                                 The Alchemist Espresso Bar

Situated next door to The Mesmerist at No.4 Prince Albert St The Alchemist is not just another place that serves coffees and pastry. We can leave that to the conglomerate chains that plague the corners of every other street in Brighton. So, I caught up with head barista Mark Pooley to discuss his love for coffee, the perfect cup, The Alchemist blend, and why everybody should be coming along to try his coffee, whichever way you like it.

Mark Poured his first coffee in 1997

Originally born in France Mark has travelled far and wide before finally arriving in Brighton and behind The Alchemist coffee machine. Never could he of thought that way back in 1997 when transferred from the kitchen to the coffee machine to pour his first cup in Auckland NZ, would Mark be mastering the art of delivering truly inspiring coffee right here in Brighton. "From that first cup poured I was encouraged to attend many coffee courses as there was a trend of people roasting their own coffee and the change in blends differed with each, meaning every blend required a unique technique in order to deliver the correct taste"

"It seemed wherever I went, I was seen as the coffee man, and after a while it stuck, it has been the thing that never feels like work but something I take pride in knowing I can offer people with a smile"
Mark arrived in Brighton seeking to obtain more information about the roasting of coffee beans and how to create unique blends using beans sourced from several origins. Luckily, Mark's persistence paid off which is why he was able to tell us more about The Alchemist.

So, Why drink coffee at The Alchemist?
The Alchemists coffee has its own unique blend created especially from 3 different beans. Those of which originate from Brazil, Guatemala and El Salvador. When roasted you are treated to a cup of coffee thats flavour is described as some to have a fruity flavour with a coca type after taste. Whats special about this blend is that no matter how you like your coffee, be it milky or straight up, the flavours will shine through and leave you with a perfectly fresh taste  bespoke to The Alchemist. 


There are many ways to drink coffee, how would you recommend people try yours?
The best start up drink to anybody looking to really taste the flavours of the blend would be an Americano with milk on the side. The milk will serve to tone down some of the bitterness you get from the coffee whilst also allowing enough of the flavours to shine through to your taste-buds. If you're an avid drinker of coffee, then you go dive straight into an Espresso. 


What makes a great cup of coffee and how can people maximise their coffee experience?
Well, every trained barista should know how to pour the perfect espresso with the coffee they have in their hands. Each blend has its own consistency, meaning the components and understanding of it are dependable on several elements depending on the coffee. A fundamental mistake people who love milk make is, that they often overheat the milk so it is boiled and burnt. The milk has to be velvety and silky to keep a consistently creamy texture to the milk lovers coffee. 

The Alchemist also offers a range of freshly baked pastries to enjoy with your coffee of choice, with a drink in or takeaway option.
Open from 8am-6pm weekdays.
9am-4pm Weekends.

Come try for yourself.