Seven albums in, Blitzen Trapper continues to redefine their sound. 2010’s Destroyer of the Void saw the band adopt a surreal folk-rock sound, 2011’s American Goldwing embraced a rich Americana twang, and now with VII, that sound has changed yet again. Eric Earley and crew have in some ways gone back to the edgy, experimental alt-country sounds that made Wild Mountain Nation so enjoyable. But stylistically, VII is less varied and largely less enjoyable than even its hokey predecessor.
Undoubtedly the largest issue with VII is the direction Eric Earley’s vocals have taken – he’s more often chanting his lyrics than singing to a tune. It isn’t inherently bad, but because so many songs incorporate this lyrical style, many of them having a similar structure, several songs on the album blend together into one generic mass. “Shine On”, for example, the album’s second track, sounds like a direct continuation from the opener, “Feel The Chill”, to the extent where the former doesn’t feel like it needs to exist.
Sometimes the craziness succeeds. “Oregon Geography” and “Neck Tatts, Cadillacs” are so unabashedly out there with Blitzen Trapper’s frantic style that they manage to work and are high points of the album.
When VII is not lyrically boring, it’s largely forgettable, if only because it fails to match the band’s previous efforts. “Valley of Death” has a “Black River Killer”-esque riff, but it lacks the same lyrical punch. In fact, many songs on the album aren’t melodically lacking, but the production prevents them from reaching maximum potential. Choruses rarely reach the large sonic levels they deserve, and Earley often seems disinterested with singing. Many songs come and go unnoticed; few leave a lasting mark.
Some standouts do exist: “Ever Loved Once” sounds like the Blitzen Trapper I’ve been listening to years, with a strong chorus and trademark guitar interludes. “Don’t Be A Stranger” would fit right in with the other strong country tracks of American Goldwing.
Though VII is not Blitzen Trapper’s strongest effort, it’s worth remembering that their recorded work is only half of the ticket anymore. For this fall’s tour cycle, the band has been cherry-picking the strongest tracks from the new album and playing them with more energy. Paired with other standouts from their catalog, the band’s live show continues to be one of the sharpest, most well-rounded rock shows I’ve seen, incorporating alternative, folk, country sounds brilliantly.
With VII being Blitzen Trapper’s first release on Vagrant after a three-record stint with Sub Pop, only time will tell what sonic direction the band will head for next. Though VII is at times forgettable, there are still alt-country pearls that remind listeners why we know of the band in the first place.
6.5/10
VII is out now on Vagrant Records. Live shows are publicly available for download from The Internet Archive.
Alex King 