Sitting here in luxurious limbo, I am listening to an Australian blues guitarist who seems to have been around forever, but really is still just a kid. Pete Cornelius, still hovering in his mid-twenties, just gets better and better as the years go on. Maybe it is because he has been holding onto that guitar since he could pick it up, or at least till he got off the piano.

Suburban Hell is about his sixth release since his first live album in 1999. That album was recorded at a festival at Narooma when Pete was just a teen, and I was standing there amazed at his talent then. It was obvious he had some great skills and the music moved him. This album has some great playing and singing by Pete and the band. Whiskey Drinking Mama is a great jumping-swing number with a gorgeous saxophone and Don’t Go is up that same alley. Done Got Over It is pretty much a signature Devilles number, and one to get people once again out on the dancefloor. This band has no problems releasing the inner dancer in most listeners.

Pete and The Devilles have that West Coast (read ‘Californian’) blues sound to their playing, but fortunately they come from this continent and are one of the coolest blues bands from these parts. Check out the guitar and sax solos on the slow-burning Hard Times and for good measure listen to the hard driving title track to show that Pete can turn it up with the best of them. George Brugmans lays down the drums and Ben Edwards keeps it moving with his basslines. The aforementioned saxophone is blown by the fabulous James Maddock, and keyboards on this release are played by Kelly Ottaway.

Pete Cornelius and The Devilles are touring through Western Australia this May until they return to The Broadbeach Blues Festival in Queensland, commencing on 30 May. Get down and have a boogie with Pete and the boys when you can.