THE LONG LOTS

Gary Jongbloed

Jay Amerinck

Jason O'Rourke

Jeff O'Rourke

Glenn Smith

Chatham, Ontario based Blues Indie Powerhouse The Long Lots are back with a 5 song EP entitled “In the Valley of Our Hearts”. Choosing to capture the raw live sound fans have come to expect was a wise decision, it is difficult not to spin the disc for a second, third, or tenth listen.

Coming off an acclaimed year in 2011, The Long Lots won “Best Blues” for their song “Dead and Gone” at The Barrie New Music Festival after being nominated for the same award in 2010 for “Dirty Blues”. Both tracks appear on the new EP. The band has since travelled further down the 401 circuit treating new crowds to their brand of in your face blues inspired rock.

On first listen of “In the Valley of Our Hearts”, Amerlinck’s vacals are perhaps the head turner for most. A mix of aggression and emotion that punches with the tight rhythm section of the O’Rourke brothers Jason (drums) and Jeff (bass). Once that sinks in, the crafty guitar work of Jongbloed shines through and allows the songs to twist and turn. In fact, it is the back and forth of Amerlinck and Jongbloed, trading guitar leads and rhythms that emerges as the distinct sound of The Long Lots. A band with no lead guitarist, no rhythm guitarist, but instead 2 guitarists sharing a single vision.

Joining the band recently is friend and multi-instrumentalist Glenn Smith, adding keys, percussion, and slide guitar to take the songs to new places. This extra layer is not found on the EP, but will be a welcome surprise to fans that have seen the band before. Watch your local concert listings, and don’t miss your next opportunity to see The Long Lots, yet another great Canadian band heading your way in 2012.