(ATO Records/EMI)

Hillbilly jam-rockers release another corker, still letting their freak flag fly.

I was handed this album to review with the description/warning “It’s a little bit different than what you might expect”. This statement became increasingly perplexing as the CD sat on my desk. Different how? Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket are not one of those obnoxious bands who define themselves by their quirkiness, but they certainly aren’t the easiest band to categorise. Since 1998 they’ve spanned all manner of genres from Southern rock to psychadelia, developing a reputation as a stellar live band and playing with everyone from Conor Oberst to VHS Or Beta . Flippin’ hell, in Cameron Crowe’s Elizabethtown they played Freebird at a memorial service – who dares delve into the thought processes of bandleader Jim James? I suspect that the initial ‘different’ comment originated from current Triple J presence Highly Suspicious, which I admit puts the experimental freak out quota to previously unmatched levels. Squelchy keyboards, lyrics regarding peanut butter pudding surprise and a debt to Modest Mouse, that’s all I’m going to say. But you don’t have to look much further (the next track, actually) for MMJ’s talent: crafty guitar interplay and infectious melodies. I’m Amazed contains the kind of towering harmonies that should never be restrained in a venue, more welcome atop a snow-covered mountain. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it … maybe. James’ echo-drenched vocals on Sec Walkin, combined with tearful pedal steel guitar from Carl Broemel, revive the art of driving song balladry with success not heard since Glenn Campbell. While rumours of their imminent disintegration clung to previous album Z, Evil Urges illustrates a band more forceful and commanding than the beards I assume they carry.

****

MITCH ALEXANDER

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*