![]() ![]() “Your Only Friend” is a sorrowful ballad, lamenting how an addiction can end a lifelong friendship, with added strings building the emotional impact. The band’s musical diversity opens up as the album progresses. Carlsson gets in some satisfying bass fills before Matt Abts surrounds the audience with his drum kit as the arrangement shifts in the second half. Even better riffs show up on “Peace I Need”, a fantastic funky blues rocker that defies the listener to sit still. The string arrangement inevitably conjures up Beatles vibes, as Louis’ spirited piano tickling paves the way for Haynes to jam on high. “Made My Peace” tells the tale of the prodigal son returning with great harmony vocals on the chorus. The middle section has a groove so thick you’ll have to wear your cheap sunglasses as you break into a grin and blow your Top.Ī pair of peace titles offer some of the album’s best material. On “Shake Our Way Out” we are treated to Billy Gibbon’s unmistakable presence, first on guitar and then on vocals, complete with many of his trademark quips and dusty delivery. ![]() One of the hallmarks of the band is in their tendency to celebrate their influences, both on stage and in the studio. Play what you want to play, play it loud with your own voice.” Danny Louis hits the keyboard solo with almost a Rick Wakeman fervor, while Warren Haynes lifts his guitar solos into the ethers, with Jorgen Carlsson staying exceptionally busy on the bass riffs. “Sing what you have to say, sing it like you have no choice. “Same As It Ever Was” opens with an enlivening acoustic guitar figure before kicking into the full electrified band arrangement and impassioned lead vocals. ![]() There truly is something for everyone on the new album. For Mule fans there’s plenty here to dig, and to dig into. It’s dramatically different from its focused predecessor “Heavy Load Blues” which is all-the-more impressive given that both albums were recorded at essentially the same time. Just as the ocean is comprised of water from a variety of rivers and storms, this album finds Mule delivering a wide range of styles sourced from various tributaries. Storms, rivers and the promise of peace drive the lyrical themes on Gov’t Mule’s 12th album. ![]()
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