Over the course of the last twenty-odd years, the Mountain Goats’ frontman John Darnielle has penned some of America’s greatest storytelling tracks.
Last year saw the release of Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan, an epic orchestral laced album full of some the band’s best storytelling to date.
Now, tomorrow, we get the next LP in the Mountain Goats’ repertoire: Days.
John and the band bring forth nostalgia for the ‘90s in tracks like “Song for Layne Staley” and “Candlebox;” the latter about an underground band gaining notoriety in the ‘90s and finally getting to open up for a band they loved.
“Charlie Sheen Reaches Out To The Feds” is an incredible example of Darnielle’s ability to turn even the strangest and silliest of tales into an absolute anthem through the power of his pen.
Throughout the LP, there are stylistic shifts that change the sonic direction from track to track, but it remains cohesive.
Days feels explorative in both lyrical direction, and instrumentally speaking as well.
“Annie Haslam Imperial Phase” is tinged with funky bass, jazzy keys, and an almost 1980’s New Wave stature.
The harmonies and acoustic guitar work found on “Crying On Eddie Nash’s Grave” are stunning.
The title track, “Days”, comes in with a slow indie-pop sway, with Darnielle’s anthemic hooks remaining simplistic and infectious in comparison to the meat and gristle of his storytelling—a perfect contrast.
Slow swooning piano sets the tone for “Woodstock,” the relaxed and spacey ambience of “Hidden Majesty of Later Venom Albums” brings some of the most beautiful melodies and piano work on the album.
The album wraps up on “Last Days,” with organ at the forefront, it is bright and hopeful in its delivery, a good way to wrap up a stellar LP.
I was a massive fan of the last release, and was admittedly worried this album wouldn’t hold a candle, but it absolutely does. It is its own thing, much like every Mountain Goats’ album before this.
The band are no strangers to expanding on their sound, and Days is a beautiful confirmation of that fact; and, of just how well that works for them.
Favorite Tracks
“Hidden Majesty Of Later Venom Albums”
“Days”
Rating
4.4/5
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Tracklist
- Song For Layne Stanley
- Charlie Sheen Reaches Out To The Feds
- Shallow Grave
- Candlebox
- Annie Haslam Imperial Phase
- Crying On Eddie Nash’s Grave
- Days
- Best Hard Rock Albums 2013
- Going To Fennario
- Woodstock ‘99
- Hidden Majesty Of Later Venom Albums
- Last Day
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