Crimson House Blues: The Raw Power of Modern Blues-Rock

Crimson House Blues is a dynamic blues-rock band from Chicago, Illinois, known for revitalizing classic American sounds with a contemporary edge. Their major label debut, 2018's Midnight Oil, cracked the Billboard 200 and solidified their reputation as a formidable live act with relentless touring.

Early career

The band's foundation was laid in 2012 when vocalist and guitarist Marcus Vance and drummer Leo Shaw began jamming in Chicago's South Side blues clubs. After solidifying their lineup with bassist Carla Reed and keyboardist Ben "Keys" Carter, they self-released the gritty EP South Side Stories in 2014, which quickly sold out its initial pressing and caught the ear of independent label Delta Sound Records.

Breakthrough

Crimson House Blues achieved their commercial breakthrough in 2018 with the album Midnight Oil, released on major label imprint Riverside Records. The album's lead single gained significant traction on rock radio, propelling the album to number 87 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification for the single "Devil's Mile."

Key tracks

Devil's Mile — This gold-certified single became their signature song, a driving blues-rock anthem that dominated rock radio playlists for months.

Whiskey and Rain — A slower, soulful ballad showcasing Vance's emotive vocals and the band's nuanced dynamics, often a live set highlight.

Burning Wick — Featured in several television dramas, this track expanded their audience beyond traditional blues-rock listeners.

Chicago Steel — A direct homage to their city's industrial and musical heritage, this became a fan-favorite opening number at concerts.

Following Midnight Oil, the band toured extensively before releasing 2021's Grit, which debuted even higher on the charts. They have collaborated with legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy on the track "Smoke Filled Room" and performed at major festivals like Austin City Limits.

Fans of Crimson House Blues' potent mix of searing guitar work and soulful vocals should also explore the catalogs of similar American rock acts. The Black Keys share a foundational blues influence filtered through a modern garage-rock lens. Gary Clark Jr. offers a comparable mastery of guitar and genre-blending, moving seamlessly between blues, rock, and soul. Tedeschi Trucks Band delivers a similar level of instrumental prowess and heartfelt, blues-rooted songwriting. Rival Sons captures the same vintage rock energy and powerful vocal delivery that defines the Crimson House Blues sound.

The music of Crimson House Blues maintains a strong presence on radio, featured prominently on classic rock FM stations, modern rock radio formats, and dedicated blues programs. Their hits and deep cuts are staples on stations that champion guitar-driven music with authentic roots.

Listeners can experience the powerful blues-rock of Crimson House Blues by tuning into the many dedicated rock and blues stations available on onairium.com, where their catalog is regularly featured in daily rotations and special artist showcases.