Blitzen Trapper, with three previous Sub-Pop albums under their belt, have produced quite the wide array of sounds. 2007′s Wild Mountain Nation sounds as if it was thrown together with reckless abandon, a giant mish-mash of sounds and passions. There were indie-rock melodies and folky boot-stomping tunes with a healthy dose of country twang. 2008′s Furr leaned more to the pop-rock side of the spectrum with Americana intertwined through and through. And next was Destroyer of the Void which took on a new sound altogether with prog-rock guitar sounds and a mellower tone. So who could really predict what would be next? At first listen, American Goldwing is a nice homage to Furr with influences of traditional Southern rock. It’s blatantly alternative-country and maybe a little bit indie. If anything, it showcases the band’s versatility to record whatever they want and turn it into an album. And it sounds great.
There’s a flurry of noise from multiple different instruments throughout the entire album – heavy bass, buzzing and sliding guitars, banjos, harmonicas, pianos… you name it, there’s probably an appearance. The album is lively and an entertaining and engaging album from start to finish. Noodling guitars and the southern drawl of lyrics keeps it light-hearted and energetic. It’s rare to find a songwriter who can take such a large swath of influences and put them together, and it’s exciting when they sound so great together.
“Fletcher” is an ambling blend of backwoods country with its drunken escapade lyrics grounded by Earley’s sweet, Southern Comfort delivery and the guitar sounds by Marty Marquis. Marquis is a great asset to the group, generating edge and bite in contrast with Earley’s gentleness and flowing songwriting. “Street Fighting Sun” is his best of the album, a showcase guitar power that growls and shrieks and provides great depth to the song. The chemistry of these two musicians creates a unique sound that paves most of “American Goldwing’s” middle ground, creating an easygoing sound stylistically country but instrumentally classic rock. “My Home Town” and “Girl In A Coat” are a welcome breather from the upbeat frenzy of the rest of the album, with acoustic-y guitars, banjos, and the occasional piano. Things pick right back up though and the self-titled track aptly mirrors the overall feel of the album.
With loads of praise from Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine, Blitzen Trapper are destined for great things in the world of indie, alt-country tunes and American Goldwing is a solid addition to their catalog of tunes.
Track list:
1. Might Find It Cheap
2. Fletcher
3. Love The Way You Walk Away
4. Your Crying Eyes
5. My Home Town
6. Girl In A Coat
7. American Goldwing
8. Astronaut
9. Taking It Easy Too Long
10. Street Fighting Sun
11. Stranger In A Strange Land
