A different kind of blue.

“I think it’s probably the most personal and emotive music ever created,” says Martin Trimble. He’s talking about the blues, that most pure of musical forms that Lincoln’s 22-20s still make sound raw, energetic and relevant 100 years after the first black American sold his soul at the crossroads.

“I think records have become so produced that people want to go and see live bands again to see music that’s edgy,” says Martin (vocals/guitar). “I think the blues fit that bill.” 22-20s recently released a mini album, 05/03, a collection of six live tracks showcasing the energy of the power-trio in the live arena. “We won’t get the opportunity to release a record like that for a few years. It’ll all be studio albums, so it was nice to do to mark out our territory.”

The band, who sound reminiscent to late 60s acts like The Doors, Cream and Hendrix, grew up in the middle of nowhere listening to Dylan and early delta bluesmen like Skid James, from whose classic song they take their name. “When you’re isolated like that you’re not in a scene with a kind of peer group saying, ‘You’ve got to listen to this’,” says Martin. “I was always just finding my own records and I think that influenced the music quite a lot. We weren’t really in touch with anything else going on.”

The Band are currently holed up working on their debut album. “It’ll still sound as raw but it’ll be more melodic,” reckons Martin. “There’ll be more songs on it. It won’t be purely about that live energy, there’ll be a more cerebral element to it.” Matt Walton 12 December 03

22-20s – 05/03, out now on Heavenly Records.

useful link: www.22-20s.com