War Stories
Perhaps a disappointment to longtime UNKLE fans who favored James Lavelle’s electronic evolution over the years, *War Stories* is clearly a rock record. “Chemistry” revisits orchestral Britpop of the early ‘90s, weaving guitars, synths and strings into a cinematic, dance-floor dervish, and from there it’s all churning, distorted guitars (“Hold My Hand”), stomping, swirling hard-pop (“May Day” with England’s the Duke Spirit) and anxious unease (“Morning Rage”). The pulsating, ominous “Burn My Shadow” shows Ian Astbury’s voice to be as evocative as it was back in the day (he of The Cult), and the hollow cowbell and stabbing guitar midsection promise a dark end, but “Restless” has the playfulness, chugging energy and edge you might expect from Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme. There’s a gossamer bounce to “Persons and Machinery,” gusts of airy guitar push “Keys to the Kingdom” skyward, and the ethereal “Price You Pay” is a welcome breather. *War Stories* feels somewhat sprawling but considering the loose theme (of personal “war stories” and change), perhaps that’s only fitting.
James Lavelle offers his most traditional, rock-oriented release yet, collaborating here with Palm Desert sonic mastermimd Chris Goss. Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme, Cult singer (and sometime Jim Morrison stand-in) Ian Astbury, and Massive Attack's 3D all guest.
In the mid-to-late 90's, when James Lavelle was busy turning electronic on its ear with his Mo' Wax label, he was only slightly busy with UNKLE, which has leisurely released three albums over nine years. As with the previous two, Lavelle assembled a dream-team collective for the latest set: Returning are Josh Homme,…
James Lavelle's UNKLE project has offered virtually everything to its fans and the listening public -- virtually everything, except for great music.
UNKLE - War Stories review: UNKLE still isn't as good as they were on their debut, but manage to change up their sound and release a solid album.