BLITZEN TRAPPER | AMERICAN GOLDWING
Portland, OR ensemble Blitzen Trapper is out with their new record of blistering rock, American Goldwing. Their sixth full-length effort (and third on Sub Pop’s label) finds the sextet with classic rock leanings, while still holding on to their roots in twangy psych rock. The eleven songs evoke some of the sounds of the 70’s (think Tom Petty, Neil Young, The Grateful Dead), including hardcore guitar riffs, powerful percussion and howling harmonicas. One standout is the title track, who’s call to the open road is inspired by an old 1980 Honda Goldwing motorcycle and the pursuit of a better life and love. American Goldwing is a fitting next step in their first-rate discography; it is a great collection of contemporary American rock music. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Band of Horses, Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog, The Flaming Lips, Fruit Bats, My Morning Jacket
posted by JFelton, October 3, 2011
BLITZEN TRAPPER | DESTROYER OF THE VOID
Portland’s favorite bearded sextet, Blitzen Trapper, have just released their fifth album, Destroyer of the Void on Sub Pop. Following 08’s excellent Furr and the Black River Killer EP in 09, the six-piece have gone further down the path of 70’s folk-rock with a healthy dose of psychedelic, country and prog added in. Eric Earley comfortably spins tales ranging from murder (“Black River Killer,” “The Man Who Would Speak True”) and the memories of a traveler (“Evening Star”) to love – both bittersweet (“Sadie”) and romanticized (“The Tree,” featuring vocals from Alela Diane). Lacking clear standout tracks as they’d had with Wild Mountain Nation and Furr, Destroyer of the Void may be a slow burn for some listeners. But for anyone who enjoys the current revival of Americana and ‘70s southern rock, do yourself a favor and get this album. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Band of Horses, Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog, My Morning Jacket, Wilco
posted by JFelton, July 6, 2010
BLITZEN TRAPPER | BLACK RIVER KILLER EP
Black River Killer EP was first released at Blitzen Trapper shows as a teaser to the upcoming release of 08’s Furr and includes Furr’s version of “Black River Killer” plus six other tracks from the era. The EP captures Blitzen Trapper’s acoustic side, resulting in a sound that evokes a range of classic rock influences from Tom Petty to Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and the Grateful Dead. Black River Killer EP is a great companion to the Furr LP and solidly fits within Blitzen Trapper’s twangy psychedelic indie rock while continuing to make sounds of the past seem fresh again.
posted by JFelton, September 8, 2009
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