In an overcrowded market you’ve got to have something special to stand out. Four piece outfit The Mustangs operate in the blues/rock field and by all accounts are a particularly fierce live act… not difficult to imagine when you give their latest album a spin. Split Decision clocks in at just over 32 minutes but it’s 12 tracks offer up plenty of evidence as to why they are so highly touted by those in the know. In Adam Norsworthy they have a singer and guitarist capable of belting out a driving rock number like ‘Wired’ but who can also turn on the sensitivity when the song calls for it. He’s ably backed by Derek Kingsby on harp and a red-hot rhythm section in bassist Ben Mckeown and drummer Jon Bartley.

The Mustangs aren’t a blues band, more a rock band with a bluesy approach who wear their influences proudly on their sleeves. The rock crunch of Free can be heard in opener ‘Can’t Find A Lover’, The Kinks and The Beatles surface on the lovely ballad ‘Over Too Soon’ and there’s more than a passing nod to The Who on live favourite ‘Put The Lights On’.

All the material is original, well crafted and sungand no doubt an absolute riot in a live setting. Shouldn’t be long before the bigger venues comecalling.

The Mustangs - Split Decision

Blues Matters BMRCD20064 Reviewed by AH