Strangefolk, British psychedelic outfit Kula Shaker’s first album in eight years, is a tight set of tracks that works best when striking at the heart of the classic rock tradition.
“Out on the Highway” kicks off the album with a bang. Guitarist and lead singer Crispian Mills offers an energetic, electric hook, complimented by a bouncing drum beat from Paul Winterhart that will make listeners tap their feet in compliance. The intricate instrumental arrangement blends surprisingly well with the soothing, soft-spoken vocals. “Second Sight,” the album’s first single and fan favorite, also features catchy guitar riffs that blend with smooth vocal harmonies.
The title track appears halfway through the album and is without a doubt its strangest song—if you can even call it a song. The ninety-second track features a gentle Indian melody—similar to The Beatles’ “Within You Without You”—with a synthesized voice chanting philosophical lyrics about the origins of life and the deterioration of society.
“Ol’ Jack Tar” is one of four love songs on the album, though probably the most explicitly so: “Slow on my armour / cool on my mind / This time I’ll be forever with you.” Mills’ soft, echoing voice flows in beautiful harmony with Winterhart’s subdued percussion, creating the best of the amorous tracks.
Strangefolk is considerably weaker when the band relies on classic rock sounds instead of their own style; from the Dylanesque vocals on “Hurricane Season” to the Doors-like jazzy organ on the closer “Dr. Kit,” Kula Shaker frequently adopts musical elements of classic rock legends. But if you are familiar with the work their 1994 debut, K, you will not be disappointed with their latest effort; even if you’ve just enjoyed some psychedelic rock but never heard of Kula Shaker, Strangefolk has what it takes to make you a fan.
Voice’s Choices: “Strangefolk,” “Great Dictator (Of The Free World)”
