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)