The 2:19 - Keep My Will Strong

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:47:55 
Size:118,6 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Rock/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. One Thing I Figured - 4:27
 2. Dead Dogs and Bee Suits - 3:35
 3. Gape Row - 2:47
 4. Say Yeah - 2:09
 5. Go Blind - 4:38
 6. Hawthorn Black - 3:54
 7. Stepping Stone - 3:59
 8. Who Do They Think They Are? - 3:18
 9. The Ring - 3:58
10. My Oh My - 4:28
11. Go Home - 2:59
12. Keep My Will Strong - 4:39
13. Let It Slide - 2:59

Opening with an absolute stomper of a track ‘One Thing I figured’, The 2:19’s intention is clear on their third and latest album ‘Keep My Will Strong‘. This is visceral, real music delivered by musicians that genuinely enjoy what they are doing. Up until very recently, The 2:19 was a band unknown to me. That is until I met a gent in a bar who suggested, with quiet conviction, that I should give them a listen. I duly did as instructed and was delighted by what I heard. 
‘Keep My Will Strong‘ is the third album from the Belfast-based five-piece and marks a new chapter for the band with all members contributing to the song-writing and vocal duties. Adding greatly to the vibe of the record is the inclusion of guests John McCullough (Van Morrison) on piano and Organ and Suzy Coyle on backing vocals. ‘Dead Dogs and Bee Suits‘ is a funky tune, with Chris Chalmers’ incisive, laser-like Harmonica present through out and counterpointing off the guitar of either Ady Young or Paul Wilkinson with some wicked solos, while his vocal has definite shades of a younger Tom Jones. ‘Gape Row‘ and ‘Say Yeah‘ are straightforward Chicago Blues numbers, very danceable and ‘Say Yeah‘ would not be out of place in a Blues Brothers remake.
‘Go Blind‘ is another stand-out track, Chalmers gospel-infused vocal over McCullough’s keys is a chilling, goosebump-invoking sound. Starting steady, the song builds as the band kicks in and the final guitar solo, full of emotion and feel, is a perfect end to a very moving song.
‘Hawthorn Black‘ has a very different feel, a subtle tune, and thoughtful lyrics,  and definitely one to sit back, listen to, and enjoy. ‘Stepping Stones‘ keeps that down-home vibe going with a slow groove, before the energy starts to rise again with ‘Who Do They Think They Are‘ a definite Van Morrison-type vibe, slow groove and Coyle’s BVs adding depth.
‘The Ring‘ calls Dr John to mind with a swampy New Orleans feel that rolls on down the river.
‘My Oh My‘ continues the sleazy feel with sharp harmonica and a great dirty guitar riff. ‘Go Home‘ is a classic pub-rocker that romps along quite happily. Title Track ‘Keep My Will Strong‘ is a gospel banger, opening with the Vocal/Keys combo before the band stroll in, the song builds and then you get Coyle‘s BV punching off Chalmers lead to take it home. ‘Let it Slide‘ is a lovely, rootsy tune to close out the album.
Throughout, Monty Sneddon (Drums) and Marty Young (Bass)keep everything tidy, setting the pace and keeping it groovin’. The twin guitars of Paul Wilkinson and Ady Young make sure everything that should be lively is, and the more mellow tunes get just what they need. Over the top of all that Chris Chalmers‘ vocals and that sharp, laser-guided harmonica ad colour and vibrancy to the whole shebang. Guest artists John McCullough (keys)and Suzy Coyle (Vox) add more depth and colour to what is truly a highly enjoyable album.
If The 2:19 are not on your radar already, they certainly should be. ‘Keep My Will Strong‘ is out now and available to purchase or stream from the usual outlets.

Keep My Will Strong