THE INSOMNIACS "LEFT COAST BLUES" Source: Maine Blues Society Date: 08/2007 Writer: Phil Whipple

The debut album from The Insomniacs (Delta Groove Music) features four young musicians who have a real grasp on what today’s West Coast blues is all about. You’ll hear the influences of great guitarists like Little Charlie Baty in here - and it’s mighty well done.

The cats will have you rockin’ and dancin’ around the room from the time you start the CD player. They are polished, smooth, energetic and authentic sounding all at the same time.

The album opens with “Stick Around,” a great sounding song about a guy urging his gal to stay the course despite tough times. I love the guitar work here and that rollicking swing beat keeps my feet tapping. Among the highlights on this disc are “I’m Not Sorry,” the beefiest song on the disc with stellar guitar riffs, singing that sounds like Robben Ford and rich harmonics; “I Got Money,” a funny little song about a guy who can’t sing or dance but has a pocket full of greens and wants to spend it on his baby; and “Be Quiet,” a fairly short instrumental (just under three minutes) that has a bit of Chet Atkins flavor to it. Okay, so it sounds like a cross between Atkins and Charlie Baty, which isn’t a BAD thing! Great music here, you won’t believe the skills of these young musicians.

The Insomniacs are comprised of Vyasa Dodson on guitar and vocals; Dean Mueller on bass, Alex Shakeri on keyboards and Dave Melyan on drums. Dodson is just 25 years old yet plays guitar like a seasoned pro. Mueller and Melyan combine as a rock-solid rhythm section, a key component of any professional band. Dodson’s voice never lacks in range, belting out tunes like a suave but much younger Rick Estrin.
If you’d like to hear what the future of west coast blues sounds like, and it’s a mighty nice sound at that - purchase this CD. I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed.