Review: Blood Brothers Feat. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia ‘Help Yourself’

Review: Blood Brothers Feat. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia ‘Help Yourself’

By Jim Hynes

The highly anticipated second studio release from The Blood Brothers, Help Yourself, bears not a hint of the proverbial sophomore jinx. Acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, the two principals, produce this one themselves, no longer in need of help from Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith this time. As a band, they remain a sextet with a couple of new faces. Longtime Zito collaborator Scot Sutherland plays bass, and the twin drummer arsenal gains Ray Hangen to join Matt Johnson. Lewis Stephens stays in the piano/keyboard chair. The band had been touring and stopped in Zito’s hometown of St. Louis to lay down these tracks live in the studio. They are arguably one of the strongest blues-rock bands today, having recently toured with actor Bill Murray, to add more cache to their headlining act.

In terms of the writing, Zito penned four and Castiglia did three. There is also a band collaboration, and a co-write, and as they did on their first one. Finally, a cover of JJ. Cale comprises the highly energetic, searing, and at times soulful ten tracks. We have long acknowledged the ability of both to wield a powerful axe. Among the outright blazers, the two songs that begin the back half of the album – “The Best I Can” (Zito, Castiglia), a superb nod to resilience, and emphatic “Prove My Love” (Zito) stand apart. If you’re sampling tracks, go there first. To these ears, it’s the heartfelt, almost gospel-like vocal performance, infused by Stephens’ church-like B3 on the former, and the fiery guitar work combined with Zito’s passionate vocals on the latter.

The band immediately kicks into overdrive on the lyrically rich title track, written by Zito, an ode to tough love, with the two guitars trading lines and blasting through walls. Castiglia, who leans more to the rock side than Zito, launches a tune that most musicians can relate to in “Can’t Be a Prophet,” stating that the adoration of performing on stage fades quickly when home and off the road. Heck, they may not even recognize you in the grocery store. The guitars send off sparks and lightning on this one.

Those familiar with Zito realize that he lost his wife, Laura, to cancer since their debut album. Understandably, there was considerable concern about his ability to recover from her loss. Yet, he quickly fell in love again, as his mid-tempo, bluesy “Alive” attests to the positive feelings he now enjoys, his guitar doing most of the talking. “Soulard Serenade” is an instrumental burner that slightly evokes the great jazz and blues organ bands of the ‘60s with a discernible contemporary edge. They take J.J. Cale’s “Low Down” to an incendiary, intense guitar workout, contrasting greatly with Cale’s laid-back approach.

Lest there be any doubt, Castiglia confesses his love for vintage, Chuck Berry-like rock n’ roll on “Ol’ Victrola,’ with Stephens filling the Johnny Johnson role impressively. Zito’s “Running Out of Time” sends out an urgency felt by bands getting to the next gig, cheap hotels and all, with an unrelenting, white-hot guitar attack. If there’s a theme to this album, it’s about resilience and pushing forward. That attitude is summed up perfectly in Castiglia’s shuffling closer, “Do What You Gotta,” replete with Stephens’ barrelhouse piano and slashing fretwork.

The Blood Brothers once again state forcefully that they have set the highest bar for blues-rock in these times. They are destined for multiple awards once again.

Watch “Help Yourself” HERE

Pre-order the album HERE