"Big Dave McLean's 'Blues from the Middle' on Stony Plain, featured his electric backing band in a setting that perfectly captured the Muddy Waters style that McLean works so well. On their own, this CD shows a re-constituted Perpetrators trio that is one of the hottest bands working in Winnipeg right now and their style takes us into Nu-Blues territory. By that I mean high energy, riff-laden new songs that borrow sounds instead of songs. R.L. Burnside is often credited with providing the starting point here, in his work with the John Spencer Blues Explosion. But fear not, blues fans, these young players don't wish to start by obliterating history, just creating within it. "12,000 miles" opens the CD with a classic Hound Dog Taylor lick that will transport you to Alligator heaven. Jason Nowicki plays that guitar, Ryan Menard, an ex-Rocking Highliner (winning a Maple Blues nomination), plays bass and Scotty Hills is on drums although they've been known to switch instruments on stage. They all sing. Dave McLean returns the favour on harp and Grant Siemens helps out on organ. The twelve songs are all originals with "1/4 to 5" particularly noteworthy for new sounds. "Look at You" and "Garmonbozia" are also highlights. "Six Pack" shows they've learned their Burnside lesson very well indeed. I hope this band stays together to develop some of the ideas here, they show great promise."

- John Valenteyn, Maple Blues Magazine, Toronto Blues Society, November 2003