[rating=9.00]
With a title that proclaims an unfettered sense of starry-eyed optimism, Trampled By Turtles’ first new release since Wild Animals, released nearly four years ago, is, in every sense, a genuine comeback, a record about reunion and re-energizing that the band took extra care to create. The members of the band chose a retreat — a cabin in the wilds of Minnesota to be precise — in order to see if they could recapture that energy and exultation that brought them together initially.
Based on the results heard herein, it’s fair to say the preparation paid off. There are no dramatic departures from the albums that preceded it, but regardless, Life Is Good on the Open Road demonstrates a freshness and sense of renewal that brings it a new verve and vitality as well. It’s easy to cite several examples right at the outset — the upbeat and effusive opening track “Kelly’s Bar,” the wide-eyed optimism filtered through “We All Get Lonely,” the full flourish of “The Middle.” Indeed, it’s echoed throughout, in the bittersweet reflection and winsome arrangement that underscores “Thank You, John Steinback,” the catchy banjo-fuelled refrain of “Annihilate,” the breezy folk and folksiness heard throughout “Right Back Where We Started” and “I Went to Hollywood,” and, for that matter, in practically every song on the album to one degree or another.
After four years away, it’s tempting to call Life Is Good on the Open Road a classic comeback, but that description simply would not suffice. Though the bar was set high quite early on — and numerous times since — it’s safe to say that this particular outing ranks among Trampled By Turtles’ best efforts yet. One can only hope that the road they celebrate not only continues to tempt them, but that they’ll also continue to heed its call.
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