New Wax
Will Johnson is one of my favorite songwriters, and he's ratcheting up his already prolific output even more with the upcoming release of Dual Hawks, a double-LP consisting of one disc of new material from his band Centro-Matic and another disc containing new material from his other band South San Gabriel. For those who aren't familiar with Johnson's work, Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel both consist of the same members but the former plays a unique brand of alt. country-rock while South San Gabriel's music is much more subdued and introspective. Both bands feature Johnson's rustic and weathered vocals, which ring whiskey-soaked and brutally honest. Considering the quality of Johnson's songwriting and the fact that he's released a dozen albums of material over the last decade, it's downright mind-boggling how generally overlooked he is. It's borderline criminal. On Dual Hawks, Johnson exhibits his uncanny ability to shift from the overdriven country-tinged indie rock of Centro-Matic to the whisper-quiet fare of South San Gabriel. The Centro-Matic disc opens with "The Rat Patrol And DJs," a strong track consisting of twangy distorted guitars and gritty vocals that will have any Son Volt and/or Uncle Tupelo fan salivating. On the other hand, the South San Gabriel disc opens with the sparsely gorgeous "Emma Jane," which is accompanied by acoustic guitar and a string section. Comparing the two songs, you begin to understand Johnson's diverse capability as a songwriter, and both discs are consistently wonderful. Dual Hawks will be released April 14 in Europe and June 3 here in the states. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Centro-Matic - I, The Kite
MP3: South San Gabriel - Emma Jane
Watch:
YouTube: Centro-Matic - Triggers And Trash Heaps
1 comments:
really looking forward to this too
totally agree that will johnson deserves a lot more recognition - still think ssg's debut welcome, convalescence is a minor masterpiece - quality blogging - thanks
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