Ernest Jenning Record Co. release Beauty Pill's new album, Blue Period, a double LP compilation including the band’s complete Dischord recordings from 2003-2005. Blue Period includes both of the band’s releases from this time, The Unsustainable Lifestyle LP and You Are Right To Be Afraid EP, as well as a full side of previously unreleased outtakes and demos...

Blue Period is certainly worth the price of admission. Over the course of these 23 tracks (1 hr, 22 min, 44 sec) the band confidently and clearly lays out their unique style of indie punk rock music. This release also marks the first time this music is available on vinyl. Blue Period is presented over two 140 gram LPs in a foil stamped gatefold jacket featuring previously unseen band photos and artwork from original designer and band member Ryan Nelson.

This release collects together work from the band's 2003/4 period and it's impressive to see that this music hardly seems to have aged at all. It's still fresh, vibrant and as hard hitting as it was almost 20 years ago.

It's also refreshing to hear that the vocals constantly shift and change, with a lot of the songs sounding like they are performed by other artists you may know and love. 'Nancy Medley, Girl Genius, Age 15' has vocals remarkably similar to The Psychedelic Furs's Richard Butler, whilst I could swear that Breeders' Kim Deal was singing on 'Quote Devout Unquote'.

An enjoyable trip down memory lane for some, and an excuse to discover a classic rock band for others.

8

Nick Smithson