Tricky Woo

Tricky Woo show no rustiness since reforming during the past year. While the band's last disc, 2001's Les Sable Magiques, explored diverse and somewhat mellower territories, First Blush pointedly returns to furious rock'n'roll. Alex Crowe and Patrick Sayers provide sturdy rhythm section parts while Andrew Dickson and Adrian Popovich deliver voluminous guitar solos. The group's longstanding ’70s rock influences are still prominent here, but the musicianship shows an increased muscularity and adeptness. The band also convey a sharper sense of tunefulness with polished melodies on many of the songs. First Blush ranks among Tricky Woo's strongest work.