Terminus

Bloodkin celebrate a quarter century of history with a rather stunning collection on their new box set, One Long Hustle. One would be hard-pressed to think of an act that could produce a single CD’s worth of quality and unique unreleased recordings, let alone undertake the colossal task of assembling an astounding five. Which is exactly what the Athens, Ga.based act has done, perhaps further solidifying their reputation as one of rock’s best kept—albeit occasionally influential—secrets for far too long. In a sense, this set may correct some of that obscurity while presenting an edgy and torrential career arc, including home recordings dating back to 1988 on disc one, studio recordings from the early to mid-‘90s on discs two through four, and a gargantuan slice of unreleased material from 1997-2011 on the final disc. The set also contains a powerful outsider/rebel attitude, guest appearances from Widespread Panic members and a continuing spirit that offers a metaphysical shelter from the storm. There’s a whole lotta hard-earned wisdom on these deep and soulful tracks forged by two childhood friends, guitarist/vocalist Daniel Hutchens and guitarist Eric Carter, along with a cast of musical compadres who infuse this material with a mighty grit that transcends its occasional lo-fi surroundings. Bloodkin’s dynamic duo have also backed everyone from the late poet Allen Ginsberg to The Velvet Underground’s Moe Tucker and Sterling Morrison, but they have never sounded so alive, free, relevant and worthy of attention than on this epic-length release of hidden treasures.