COWBOY JUNKIES - SING IN MY MEADOW
(Proper Records)

The third volume of Cowboy Junkies Nomad Series couldn’t be more different from the previous release, Demons. While that was a low key, stripped back experience, this is a thunderous collection of bluesy, psychedelic fuzz-drenched jams, recorded fast, raw and live. As such, it’s pretty damned spectacular.

Opener Continental Drift hits like a truck with its rocking, driving beat, while It’s Heavy Down Here is a slow drive psych-blues number that feels epic in scope. 3rd Crusade is a feedback laden, reverse driven slice of Led Zep flavoured dark, dirty, sexy blues, while Late Night Radio is a laid back, but moody number with remarkable howling guitar solos from Michael Timmins that acts as a perfect counter-point Margo Timmins’ vocals, that effortless float from quiet, almost whispered to strong and passionate in a heartbeat.

The same could be said of the title track that has an infectious groove to it, while Hunted is a frantic, almost prog-like blues jam, almost savage in its ferocity. Incendiary stuff!

A Bride’s Price is moody, darkly and disturbingly sexual, and album closer I Move On wraps the whole thing up with a frenetic does of sound and fury.

That all this somehow fits perfectly with its quieter predecessor is a tribute to both the versatility and rounded identity of the band; like one and you’ll probably like the other. I’d suggest both are pretty essential listening.

DAVID FLINT

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