A swift blast of Chicago boogie blues gives way to a melodious Latin rumba-inflected riff on The Russ Tippins Electric Band’s title track ‘Combustion’ as the band leader sings about his love for music, then when words aren’t enough offers a belting solo workout; that even goes into a brief jazz rock fusion excursion. While the band is a three piece and they play songs that by definition fall into a blues or blues-rock category, we’re not talking about the bluster of Cream or Hendrix’s Experience here, but a taut combo that can flex its muscles when required but gets more of a buzz out of making the most of a song. Unpretentious, with totally crisp accentuations to his snare and cymbals, it’s drummer Ian Halford who drives them, with bass player John Dawson content to pummel along then casually explode into a cool frenzy of blues funk. Russ Tippins himself is a fluid, melodic guitar player; tasty without egging the overall sound. It’s possibly his voice that’s the most distinctive thing about the band though; very English with clear, precise diction that has both charm and humour, aided and abetted in their delivery by clever storytelling lyrics akin to Richard Stilgoe writing for Steely Dan. If you’re a fan of the Climax Blues Band, Steely Dan or even the late Tommy Bolin you may well find this has that special something to offer that you’ve been missing for far too long. Record Label: Arty Music Style: Rock