Blitzen Trapper - VII

What's this? A Blitzen Trapper record you can dance to?
Well first impressions indicate that that's the case with this new offering - their seventh studio album appropriately titled 'VII'.

Not that fans of the Trappers need worry as the album is still stuffed full of songs containing the rich lyrical imagery we would normally associate with song writer/lead singer, Eric Earley. Indeed some of Earley's finest songs tell a story and 'VII' kicks off with such a track ('Feel The Chill') as he spins a yarn about a spooky old house near to where he grew up.

According to Earley, his father taught him two things which are important in his life. One was about playing stringed instruments and the other was about faith. 'Shine On' is a song all about the latter. It's as close to gospel music as the Trappers have ever gotten and lyrically is perhaps one of the most straightforward songs Earley has ever written. With a catchy, danceable beat, this track also features nice gospel backing vocals from newcomer Liz Vice who takes an even stronger role in the funky 'Neck Tatts, Cadillacs'..

While some acts in the 'Americana' genre are now starting to sound somewhat jaded, Blitzen Trapper have constantly managed to include many other musical influences in their albums and this may be even more apparent with this release. On 'Faces of You', they venture into territory occupied by Wilco on their most recent releases ('Wilco (The Album)' and 'The Whole Love'). However, with the following (and final) track 'Don't Be a Stranger', they are right back in more familiar acoustic territory with Earley imploring the subject of his love against a backdrop of banjo and peddle steel guitar. Set against the more traditional 'Americana' sounds, this album features a host of other influences. 'Oregon Geography' is a rap while I swear I hear vinyl scratching in 'Valley of Death' and 'Neck Tatts, Cadillacs'.

I have compared the album to its predecessor ('American Goldwing') and I find this to be less rocky and the mix to be crisper and brighter. It has altogether a more modern feel to it, yet still retains those references to the old time, backwoods music of the US. Oh, and of course it still has some gorgeous songs most notably 'Ever Loved Once' which also features some beautiful backing vocals.

I claimed a while back that the band seem to get better with each new recording. With this album it would appear that the trend continues.

If you don't dance to this record, I suspect it may at least 'make you shake a hip'.