To say that Gov't Mule frontman Warren Haynes is a busy man would be a misstatement. He is an INSANELY busy man. Splitting time between The Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, and Gov't Mule, is somewhat impressive that he even had time to write and record a new album, let alone an album of this caliber.
Any doubts Mule fans had of how another new bass player would affect the bands sound are immediately silenced after the first few rumbling notes of the album opener "Broke Down on the Brazos". A punishing rhythm section sets the tone for the song, which is capped off with Haynes and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons trading licks on their respective Gibons. The definition of a classic, rock guitar duel which leaves the listener begging for more as the song fades out.
"Railroad Boy" is a re imagination of a traditional tune, slowly building from Haynes' eery 12 string guitar to an all out full band jam highlighted by keys player Danny Loius tearing it up on the Hammond B3.
The ballad "Gordon James" is a dark folk song, written about an arms dealer. The lyrics project the message, while the musical backdrop compliments in all the right places with keys, and even a string arrangement.
There's no masking the Hendrix influence on "Any Open Window". From the ascending melody line played by Haynes and Carlsson, to the cadence-like drum beat from Matt Abts, this one quickly sets itself up as merely a vehicle for a great jam. "'Scuse Me..." Haynes says, before ripping into his best Hendrix impression. If the intent was to record a song that wouldn't sound out of place on Electric Ladyland, I'd have to call it a success.
The next tune "Frozen Fear" shows off the pop sensibility of the band. A catchy, reggae influenced song about picking up a friend when they are down. The lyrics seem a little cheesy and forced "Maybe I can melt it", but I can practically see the hippies dancing to this one already.
"Inside Outside Woman Blues #3" is the lyrical answer to the blues standard "Outside Woman Blues" made famous by Cream. A slow burner, and yet another launchpad for Haynes' ripping lead guitar. Though its' somewhat of a throwback to Cream, the Led Zeppelin influences seem to be more prevalent here. Haynes experiments with the wah-wah pedal throughout the song, and just when you think the song is winding down, they switch gears and continue to go at it for another 4 minutes. I could see this becoming a 15+ minute exercise in a live setting.
Overall, the album has a very diverse, yet strangely cohesive feel to it. While strongly rooted in classic rock/blues, its not hard to hear the folk, reggae, and even jazz influences. Though it includes a few sleepers ("Forevermore", "World Wake Up" to name a few), "By a Thread" as a whole is a great album. In typical Gov't Mule fashion, however, these songs will really hit their stride in the live show.
Rating - 8/10
Mule really sets the tone for By a Thread with their opener, Broke Down on the Brazos. Right away, Warren shows off his versatility - the dude can straight up wail on the guitar and his vocals are rock solid. When I think of Gov't Mule, this is the sound I think of.
ReplyDeleteThe opening rift in Railroad Boy gets me everytime; Warren really paints a picture with his lyrics. Tyler, great pickup on the 12 - string, and the percussion in this song rocks.
The Hendrix influence is easy to pickup in Any Open Window (another nice call Hays), but who did Hendrix not influence in rock/blues today? Hendrix was and always will be the #1 most influential/talented guitarist to ever live. Absolutely revolutionized the instrument. However, that debate is for another post if anyone disagrees with me.
Next, Frozen Fear, my favorite track on the album. Yes, it does come off as more of a "pop" type song, but how can you not enjoy the way the slide guitar in this song speaks to you. My favorite part about the slide...it can make you feel emotions that words cannot explain and emotions you never knew existed. I just hope that one day I can hear Warren and Trucks exchange licks on this song.
The album finishes out with a few more tracks that are standard Mule material: Inside Outside Woman Blues #3, Scenes from a Troubled Mind which both bring the heat.
Overall, I agree with much of Tyler's review. This is a very solid album and I can't wait to see some of these songs live.
Rating: 7.5/10