Birds of Chicago start with a basic blueprint before an
eclectic and innovative streak stretches the content to wherever you want it to
go. The assets begin with the primal rock ‘n’ soul qualities of JT Nero and
Allison Russell. The juxtaposition of the rugged and the beautiful blends and
twists in epic proportions to bring a raft of boundless songs. Throughout the
meandering journey with an open invitation to enrol, a tight production
provides the checks and balances to ensure eleven gift-wrapped original efforts
flood out to form a third full-length release from this American duo. LOVE IN
WARTIME is an album requiring care and attention, but rewards the diligent
listener.
JT and Allison have kept Birds of Chicago productively
active since the inception in 2012. Prior to that, JT and the Clouds and Po
Girl ensured both were respectively and individually busy in previous bands. Po
Girl in particular spawned at least two later successful follow on careers for
Awna Teixeira (solo) and Allison with
husband JT. For this studio album, the duo have enlisted the services of Luther
Dickinson (North Mississippi All Stars) as producer and hooked up with
respected label Signature Sounds Recordings. This powerful formula has created
a spiritually uplifting record ready to continue a fulfilling journey.
You can flip a coin to whether a preference lies within the
groovier upbeat numbers or when the tenderer moments take hold. Of course
taking each style on their merits is a perfectly acceptable approach. For me,
the two anchor track positions of #3 and #7 step out from the crowd as early
leading contenders for songs to pick off. ‘Love
in Wartime’ , the track, does more than just host the album title, and early
in the record it motivates immensely through a tranquil beginning expanding
into a grander rock ballad. A compelling string sound accompanies JT’s vocals
in the opening before Allison moves the track into duet territory. ‘Roll Away’ is an outright rocker,
illuminating from first listen and a track that never wanes from its summit as
the lesser songs fight their way onto your horizon.
For those liking things spiced up a little, ‘Never Go Back’ ratchets up the sound in
a funky direction by injecting some serious groove straight after a one-minute
instrumental opener sets the scene making this eleven track album essentially
ten songs.‘Derecho’ is a tough track
to grasp in the album closing position and definitely signals that any
blueprint has been discarded.
Pushing the two nominated top tracks close is ‘Baton Rouge’, one of a handful of
co-writes between the pair on the record (all tracks feature JT as either the
sole writer or in tandem) and is blessed with hypnotic qualities. A little delve
into the French language in the chorus is not the first time Allison has used
her bi-lingual skills on a record and they certainly add to the eclectic
nature.
At this point, it is worth noting that Birds of Chicago have
fully re-instated the UK on their touring map after obliging us only a fleeting
visit to promote the last album. This is further boosted by their selection as
one of Rhiannon Giddens curated acts for a slot at this year’s prestigious
Cambridge Folk Festival in August.
Of the remaining tracks, ‘Try’ is one where JT’s vocals shine at their rugged best, while ‘Travelers’ gets back into a soulful
groove after the dexterity of the title track. ‘Lodestar’ and ‘Super Lover’
both had a preview via an uploaded video, so click on the link and check them
out for yourself. ’Roisin Starchild’
sees Allison take the vocal lead and probably is as soulful as the album gets.
LOVE IN WARTIME has its major selling point in the sound and
vibes emanating from its key architects and associate musicians. Soaking up
these is a recommended listening decision as well as tapping into what Birds of
Chicago do very well.
www.birdsofchicago.com
