Nothing is better warmed up, except goulash. That wisdom didn’t stop Eels mastermind Mark Oliver Everett from teaming up again with producer and guitarist John Parish for his new album “Extreme Witchcraft”. The team worked closely together on the Eels album “Souljacker” more than 20 years ago – and delivered a masterpiece. The new record can’t match the quality of that time – goulash, you already know! – but it’s fun nonetheless.
The subdued melancholy of the predecessor “Earth to Dora” has given way to a more edgy sound on “Witchcraft”. Rock ‘n’ roll against the rampant pandemic frustration is the motto of powerful, occasionally somewhat aimless songs like “Amateur Hour”, “What It Isn’t”, “Good Night on Earth” or the appropriately titled “Steam Engine”.
It is significant that the two best pieces on the record are less about muscles and more about heart. “Strawberries & Popcorn” convinces as a fantastic breakup song that emotionally emphasizes the joys of living alone, while the sparsely instrumented, folky “Learning While I Lose” is one of those tender, sad life balances that Mr. Everett has mastered like no other. (ll)
CD review: Eel’s “Extreme Witchcraft” (Pias)
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Source: Nachrichten
