|
Make no mistake: Blues Explosion may have shortened its moniker, but Jon Spencer is still the ringleader of the power trio. With its seventh release, Damage, Blues Explosion has built upon previous albums while taking things in a slightly different direction. Most of the tracks are deeply-rooted in the punk rock spirit, yet they manage to come off as raw and strikingly original. This is a band that has thrived in bars, clubs, and college radio stations while managing to stay just under the national radar since 1990.
The title track, "Damage" is a solid lead-in for the album, but--I've gotta say it--they straight lifted the drums from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks." Intentional or not, the similarities are undeniable. The first remarkable track is "Crunchy," which benefits from the oversight of studio guru Dan the Automator (Galactic, Deltron). "Crunchy" features Spencer coming as close as he dares to radio-friendliness, pleading, "Is this the way it's supposed to be?" over several layers of studio effects and reverb, for a nice end product.
The next song "Hot Gossip" has Public Enemy's Chuck D at the helm, and most of the tune bares a striking resemblance to Kid Rock's "Cowboy." For those familiar with Kid Rock's song, I am truly sorry. This "version" is a definite improvement however, and hops on the "rock 'n' roll rap" sound that was popularized in the late '90s by a number of mediocre artists. If it is any consolation, Blues Explosion manages to infuse a level of authenticity in the music that is unheard in most other bands attempting to attain that particular sound.
There is a reason the band was called "Jon Spencer Blues Explosion" for so many years: Spencer has a stunningly unique personality. The closest comparison would be to that of Primus' Les Claypool... but that comparison does neither artist any good. Slightly odd and completely overwhelming, Spencer owns the stage and seems to be living the music in his actions. Lyrically, the album stays in-line with previous Blues Explosion efforts. "You Been my Baby" features Spencer warning that "these blues are gonna rip out your heart." He's not that far off: the guitars are thrashing and the result is jarring, and blending the beautiful impatience of punk with the soul of blues, the band hits full stride.
The final great cut on the album is "Help These Blues," which showcases Spencer at his finest. He runs over the music with his vocals and a certain bravado that seems half-serious and half-playful, but errs on the side of aggression. Overall, this is a fine release from a fantastic band. After nearly 15 years of making music, Blues Explosion has released another album that can stand safely alongside fan favorites like Orange. For the uninitiated Blues Explosion listener, think of them as the White Stripes on Red Bull, and then think about the fact that these guys have been around the block a few times. Spencer and Company know the game well and choose to bend the rules in such a way that the final product is unflinchingly bold, inventive, dynamic, and damn good.
Nathan Rodriguez
JamBase | Colorado
Go See Live Music!
|
