It's hard to write about Eric Bachmann and his new solo effort To The Races without comparing it to his previous work with Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers. However, it is worth a shot, simply for the reason that while this is still the same Eric Bachmann, but it is very stripped down so that it is just Eric Bachmann.
Ten years as a band, and Centro-matic’s newest album has been heralded as the band’s best yet by peers like Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers. Will Johnson and company show a polish that has burned brighter with each proper release.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, the half-Italian, half-icelandic Emiliana Torrini sounds like Bjork. Just without the squeaking. Or high pitched sounds there for the benefit of dogs and – yes! – music critics. But hold on a minute, there surely can be room for both singers in this ever crowded world where, like London buses, you wait ages for one and then, well, two come along jostling for passengers? And if that doesn’t mix your metaphors, then who knows what will?
The songs might not be as catchy as those on his debut album, but On My Way exhibits Kweller
