[rating=2.50]
This Austin four piece has released its fourth full length self titled album and it opens with rising guitar lines and vocals just as high on “Angel-ess”. The group is fronted by twin brothers Nathan Campbell on vocals/guitar and Aaron Campbell on lead guitar; think of them as a humor removed Dean and Gene Ween. Guitar fireworks and glam-like vocals aren’t the only things kicking around though as a stomp and slapping bass line reminiscent of Primus dominates “Dust Bowl Blues”. A country acoustic romp holds up “Jesus Maria”, “This Guitar” is a waltzing weeper and “Let It Go” swings with a vibrant Beatles-like energy. This randomness of styles also detracts a bit from the overall flow of the album and certain tracks like “Women” contain a ton of changes, feeling muddled and pieced together. There is also a bit of a clunker towards the end with the 5 minute love song cliché of “Back in Love” that works with some wince inducing lyrics, but they close on a high note with the somber “Robe of Gold”
Seemingly comfortable playing any style of music Fatback Circus can burn, party, or cry from measure to measure and often do.
