"Em Are I"
(Rough Trade)
eight / ten
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JEFFREY LEWIS AND THE JUNKYARD "Em Are I" (Rough Trade)
eight / ten |
Jeffrey Lewis, the comic-scribblin' crafty composer of quirky anti-folk, returns with another rocking stomp of hilarious tales of life's mundanities and struggles under his band's new permanent name, the Junkyard. Em Are I, his fifth sojourn into the studio again packs the usual musings and provocative punches we've come to expect from the eccentric New Yorker with brilliant panache.
Recorded at Brooklyn's Emandee Studios, the album comes with treats aplenty; French indie duo Herman Dune and American banjo troubadour Emily Lacy both appear, whilst Dinosaur Jr front-man J Mascis shows up to churn out a memorable lead-guitar cameo.
The vibe of the album is instantaneous from the off; 'Slogans', is archetypal Lewis - quirky lyrics, fusions of punk-rock, and, as always, a message to deliver. Similarly 'Broken Broken Heart,' a satirical narration on the crushing blows of crumbling love, offers the sing-along quality that permeates many of Lewis' brilliant folk ramblings.
Though the themes are, as to be expected, quite down-beat, they're explored with Lewis' unique sharp-witted humour and ability to prod and poke fun at even the most crushing of emotions. 'Roll Bus Roll' is reminiscent of Smog's Bill Callahan at his narrative best. Meanwhile, with "the Upside-Down Cross, a song part-written by his brother Jack, Lewis delves into an eight-minute of electrified experimentalism that has him roaring "I went to Kansas City with my lady friend."
Whilst Lewis' previous offerings have always appealed to an acquired taste, Em Are I arrives with open-arms and an appeal that will pick up a wealth of new Lewis fans along the way. Check this latest release out; quirkiness has never been more profound.
Mark Kelleher
www.myspace.com/jefflewisband
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