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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