Album Review: Blue Ridge Band, Down To Business II

In September 2023, Quebec country outfit Blue Ridge Band released a five-song EP entitled Down To Business. In an era where more songs spread out over time is a smart creative decision, the group is back with a second five-song EP to make Down To Business essentially a full-length album. The Levis, Quebec band led by singer Jérémy Plante is adept at mixing a near-perfect recipe of country pop with sweet harmonies on "Don't Wanna Go Home" and "Stars Of This Song."

There's rarely a mistake in the first half with the slow-burning "Gin And Tonic" screaming for airplay nationally while the deliberate "Down To Business" builds into a memorable chorus. Think of blending Lady A with Keith Urban and you'll get where this trio is coming from judging from the toe-tapping gem "Chasing Sunsets."

The new batch of tunes is as well-polished as the first batch. Here "This Life" is a simple number that hits all the right notes but "Free" sounds a tad forced. Nonetheless, the second half (or second EP) closes brilliantly with a tender ballad "I Was Wrong" about opting to chase a career in music but instead falling in love on the journey. C'est manifique!

Down To Business II was released May 19, 2023.
Listen to it here.