Bluebloods
Make It Rain
(Independent)
1.5/5
It’s nearly impossible to pin down what Winnipeg’s Bluebloods are attempting to accomplish on their debut EP. During Make It Rain’s 20-minute runtime, the band delivers some daring genre blending but constantly trips over its own ambition.
Led by guitarist Conrad Sweatman, Bluebloods primarily focus on the hardships of living in the Canadian prairies on this EP. The band pack in an impressive number of influences on Make It Rain, but the constant attempts to merge R&B, jazz, EDM, and hip-hop become exhausting within minutes.
The title track opens the EP; it features Winnipeg vocalist Courtney Devon and begins with plenty of promise. The sombre piano-led instrumentation pairs well with Devon’s vocal work and Sweatman’s lyrics. Unfortunately, awkwardly timed kick drums and an unnecessary EDM-inspired transition squander the song’s potential.
The theme of misguided production choices continues on “Jabberwocky” as Sweatman’s brand of electro-pop clashes with a pointless sample of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.”
It’s obvious that Sweatman is an ambitious musician and Make It Rain deserves credit for its creativity, but its severe lack of direction makes it almost unlistenable.