Faith In Jane - Rhythm Of Elevation



I have to admit it took me a minute to grasp Faith In Jane's latest album, 'Rhythm Of Elevation'. But after two or three spins this release opened up and a beautiful gem presented itself to me. And I duly kicked my own ass for not getting it at first. But that's how it is sometimes. Better late than never though, which I am thankful for, because this Maryland trio has created an amazing recording!

Going for a mainly bluesy, jam-filled version of stoner rock, there’s more to it than that. Subtle nuances allow the songs to take on a whole different life, small tweaks here and there. And that’s what makes this album stand out. Hell, they threw in ‘Passage’, a bluegrass-tinged song and it works so well. These guys aren’t reinventing the wheel but they take what they have and what they know and throw it in a cauldron. Adding excellent musicianship to the concoction, their stew doesn’t have to cook long at all before it is ready. The end result? ‘Rhythm Of Elevation’!

Chaotic, crawling and punishing, opener ‘The Ritual’ sets the record straight right away. Taking no prisoners, Faith In Jane are relentless as they unleash one of the most metal-sounding tracks on this album. ‘Trip And Watch The World Burn’ brings out the bluesy, jam stuff coupled with doomy undertones. Clocking in at almost 11 minutes it weaves back and forth between mid-tempo to faster paced rocking giving you time to watch our world disintegrate. Oh, just let the amazing solo little over halfway through wash over you and cleanse you from any kind poison…wonderful, indeed! Stoner blues at its finest, ‘Mushroom Man’ is a bulldozer trip and a half. Led-heavy and spaced out, this composition crushes everything over and over and I just come back for more. Despite punctured lungs and broken ribs I give in to the world according to Faith In Jane and constantly ask for more. ‘Passage’ is the oddball here, being a bluegrass ditty, but it fits in so well and that’s another beauty of this band.

‘Daze Of High Adventure’ is not only the longest song, over 14 and a half minutes, it is also Faith In Jane’s barnburner. Everything this band is has been blended together excellently here. Stoner, doom, jam and blues. Fantastic! ‘Farewell’ is a beautiful eulogy about dearly departed and musically it is akin to the great Southern Rock bands like The Allman Brothers fronted by the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone. Amazing and again, listen to that solo! ‘Return’ closes out ‘Rhythm Of Elevation’ and is another headtrip, and then some. These guys knows how to help you on the way to astral traveling and this track is the key to that. Close your eyes, sit back and go! Faith In Jane will show you amazing things.

-Swedebeast

 Photo Credit: Shane Gardner

 

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