New Orleans' Sweet Pea's Revenge lies in the extended jammin' vein of Southern Rock. The band released its debut self-titled CD in December 1997. Since that time it's shared the stage with Delbert McClinton, Government Mule and Better Than Ezra, among others. Its live shows have elicited comparisons to Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes and The Allman Brothers Band.
On its sophomore release, "Bloodfire," Sweet Pea's Revenge delivers 10 original tunes in the roots rock tradition. "Only One Way" showcases the vocals and guitar of Jim Brown, and sounds a lot like Evan Chieda's funky bass and Stephen Randall's inspired drumming jumpstart, "Excuse Me," the song most likely to get a crowd moving. Kaye Dorian's bluesy wail compliments Brown's smoky sound on "Too Bad I Never Knew My Lover," yet not even Mike Wadworth's pounding the keys can save "Feed the Machine." "Primordial Gumbo" is a gem — Glenn Pearl's harp gives the song an elemental feel that goes to the marrow.
Sweet Pea's Revenge promises to be a band to watch in the next millennium.
