Some albums arrive quietly. Others arrive with lived experience in every note. “All That We Are” by Blues Corner belongs to the second kind.
Born from a decisive turning point, the project traces Phil Roman’s return from a successful career in London back to France and back to himself. Reuniting with long-time friend Seb Oroval, the duo leaned into the music that first shaped them. The result is a double concept album that moves through three landscapes of the genre: the earthiness of Delta blues, the warmth of Americana and country blues, and the charged pulse of Texas blues rock.
What makes this release resonate is not just its structure, but its honesty. The lead single “Piggy Bank Blues” sets the tone with gritty guitar lines and a groove that feels earned. The song captures financial pressure and personal sacrifice without self pity. As the band puts it, it is about empty pockets and full dreams. You can hear that tension in the vocal delivery. It is steady, reflective, and grounded in reality.
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Under the artistic direction of Bruno Dandrimont and recorded at La Battamobile studio, the album benefits from a tight rhythm section and inspired guest appearances by Sonny Landreth, Fred Chapellier, and Marco Cinelli. Their presence adds texture without overshadowing the core chemistry between Roman and Oroval. There is a sense of conversation happening between the guitars, between past and present, between struggle and renewal.
Following the critically noted Lonely Mile, Blues Corner does not chase trends here. They dig deeper. They honor the lineage of the blues while making it feel present and personal. This is music shaped by friendship, setbacks, and conviction.
All That We Are has more than just a title, it is a statement. It reflects who they have been, what they have endured, and where they are headed. For listeners who value blues that speaks plainly and plays with purpose, this album meets you where you live.
