Short Attention Span Record Reviews, May 24 Vol. II

THE LOUDER STUFF

KERRY KING – From Hell I Rise
Essentially a post-Hanneman Slayer album, King never stepping away from his comfort zone. Decent but non-essential. (7)

PALLBEARER – Mind Burns Alive
I like the new Pallbearer, it’s less about crushing doom riffs and more about the vibe and the atmosphere, in an almost post-rock way. (8)

SHELLAC – To All Trains
Oh man, I loved Albini, he was the real thing. His swan song is a perfect example of the Albini ethos, huge drum sound, razor-sharp noise-rock riffs, the sarcasm and attitude turned to 11. I’ll miss him. (8)

SLASH – Orgy Of The Damned
Star-studded blues album (“Blues Your Illusion”?) with everyone from Brian Johnson to Demi Lovato joining the G’n’R guitar slinger on some overplayed classics. Lots of cool guitar solos but come on, really, does the world need another cover version of “Crossroads”? “Hoochie Coochie Man”? “Born Under A Bad Sign”? (6)


THE OTHER STUFF

ANDREW BIRD TRIO – Sunday Morning Put-On
Bird loves jazz so he digs deep into the Great American Songbook and beautifully covers a bunch of tunes by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington etc. with a violin-bass-drums lineup. (8)

BLITZEN TRAPPER – 100s Of 1000s, Millions Of Billions
First heard these guys in 2008 when “Furr” was released on Sub Pop (I loved that one), had no idea they’re still around but their psych-leaning folk rock remains potent. (8)

BETH GIBBONS – Lives Outgrown
The voice of Portishead returns with an album that takes careful steps to distance itself from the trademark Portishead “trip hop” sound but still manages to create a very strong emotional response, beautiful and haunting. (9)

MICHAEL HEAD & THE RED ELASTIC BAND – Loophole
2022’s “Dear Scott” was the surprise on that year’s List, the new album by cult songwriter (you know him, or don’t, from The Pale Fountains) and Love aficionado Head is a bit scrappier. (7)

KAIA KATER – Strange Medicine
Canadian folkie adds jazz and R&B elements to her roots music and comes up with something great. (8)

THE MAVERICKS – Moon & Stars
A gorgeous album seamlessly blending Tex-Mex/Tejano influences into the band’s country rock. And Raul Malo’s Orbison-like tenor remains unbeatable. (8)

Short Attention Span Record Reviews, May 24

HOT WATER MUSIC – Vows
If you’re a HWM fan then this will not disappoint – it’s stacked with melodic post-hardcore bangers and huge sing-along choruses. (8)

KINGS OF LEON – Can We Please Have Fun
“Mustang”, the lead single, was fucking amazing and probably the best song these guys have ever come up with. The rest of the album has its moments but it’s mostly MOR/AOR from the heartland. (7)

POKEY LAFARGE – Rhumba Country
An Americana heart decorated with Latin-flavored influences and a great sense of humor. (7)

THE LEMON TWIGS – A Dream Is All We Know
Re-confirming their status as power-pop royalty for the 20’s. (8)

MDOU MOCTAR – Funeral For Justice
This is not the “desert blues” made popular by Tinariwen, this is “desert punk fucking rock”! And the guy really shreds, like Sahara’s answer to Eddie Van Halen or something. (8)

JESSICA PRATT – Here In The Pitch
Pratt’s records are always magical, and on her fourth she expands on the dreamlike qualities of her music by utilizing richer instrumentation. Simply gorgeous. (8)

LAWRENCE ROTHMAN – The Plow That Broke The Plains
A strong and very personal Americana album (basically it’s country), by non-binary Rothman who has previously worked with everyone from Kim Gordon to Duff McKagan to Lucinda Williams and even a pre-fame Billie Eilish. Here with a little help from friends/guests including Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, and S.G. Goodman. (8)

ROTTING CHRIST – Pro Xristou
All the songs have the same mid-tempo beat and the same riff, but it’s a great beat and a fuckin’ awesome riff. (8)

FRANK TURNER – Undefeated
Beloved by the fans (he just sold out his 3000th show) but snubbed by the “serious” music press (I don’t think I’ve ever seen one word about him in Pitchfork or Uncut), Turner reached album #10. “Undefeated” is solid, like Billy Bragg backed by The Hold Steady, a bit more low profile than 2022’s “FTHC”. (8)

KAMASI WASHINGTON – Fearless Movement
Featuring rappers, George Clinton, Thundercat, and a Zapp cover, this is Kamasi at his most playful. Of course, this is still jazz for a large ensemble and the musicianship remains unparalleled. (8)