Solo CD debut worth a listen

Seven-Mile Island
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
9-out-of-10

Jason Isbell, of Drive By Truckers fame, fronts the 400 Unit for his second effort as a solo performer. He and his three piece band masterfully craft warm country-soul and southern-rock tunes in a way only veterans of the genre can. Edgy and prolific, Seven-Mile Island carries many themes and stories of sober realization, and of course ballads lost love.

The album was made with a live band sound in mind. All the backing parts feel fresh and raw, gritty but practiced. The chemistry between band members portrays itself through the instrumentation. The band pushes through each track with well deserved swagger and nonchalance. Isbell's expert songwriting shines throughout each track, and is placed in the forefront by his aged, southern voice.

What I found great about this album was how Isbell toyed with traditional country and southern-rock, but always manipulated the old ideas to fit his new way of constructing songs. Accept for "Cigarettes and Wine", which is your typical cry-in-your-beer country song. Complete with pill popping and excruciating heartache, Isbell seems to be a little tongue-in-cheek at times bellowing "I know that's not much of a line, but it's God's only truth" during the chorus.

Throughout the album, Isbell walks that fine line that separates a singer/songwriter from a full band album. Fortunately he can balance on the edge, writing introspective songs and maintaining a strong presence while allowing and trusting his band to play a long side him, not just behind him. They rock hard together, play tight and complement each other perfectly.

For many years Isbell has been a vital songwriter and with his solo career taking shape it seems he is more comfortable than ever to take on his new role as a band leader. Isbell's newfound confidence oozes out of this effort, and I hope this line up continues to play together for years to come.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Mood Bedroom Meter
The Peanut Butter Genocide
7-out-of-10

Andy Goodson, originally from Yorkton, SK, has been making music for as long as I can remember. I recall an occasion where I ventured down into his basement studio and was astounded by the amount of equipment, all of the instruments that he used to compose his psychedelic brand of indie music. Since transplanting to Regina, Andy fell off of my musical radar and when I received a copy of his latest recording, under the band name The Peanut Butter Genocide, I was quite interested in giving it a listen.

Mood Bedroom Meter was recorded last summer in the woods of Madge Lake, SK. Utilizing analog synthesizers, drum machines and sitars, Goodson worked through power outages to capture the sounds and influences that the isolated space offered. What really peeked my interest about this album was Goodson's use of analog equipment. Analog signals are known for their warmth and unique ability to be manipulated by the user. Instead of live drum kits, you'll hear samples taken from old video game cartridges and VHS tapes. The album also incorporates blues-rock, hip hop, and 60's rock influences taped together with vast experimentation and knowledge.

Goodson describes the theme of the album as an attempt "to contrast environmental tranquility and cheesy flare, like you'd find in the tacky cabin furnishings of the 1970s." I would say this is an accurate statement. Its quirky sounds and droning synths offer an interesting listening experience. Apparently some notes are adjusted to resonate at certain brain frequencies, which is both fascinating and scary. I hope subliminal mind control is not a side effect.

For something completely different, I'd suggest grabbing Mood Bedroom Meter on iTunes or Amazon, or in store at Fuzztone Music and B3 Extreme.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU