Bluerock Junction is a soulful rhythm & blues rock trio from Calgary (Canada), featuring Ethan Collister (vocals, guitar), Caleb Roddick (bass), and Lael Johnston (drums). Their debut LP, Thrift Store Queen, is one that at the very least will elicit approving nods. While they pay tribute to the pioneers who told stories about hard times, the eight songs on here – including two instrumentals – offer no trouble blues whatsoever. Or, as they aptly rap: “We bring a little funk and we bring a little groove // We bring a little Bluerock attitude” (from Bluerock Funk Train). Are they playing this live, straight from their garage? Whatever, it’s careless music that guarantees a good time: “Shakin’ our hips and tappin’ our feet // Twist and turn and swing to the beat” (from Get Loose and Get Down). And that’s exactly how it goes.

Thrift Store Queen, written and produced by Ethan Collister, is out now digitally (self-released).

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